Natural selection for earlier male arrival to breeding grounds through direct and indirect effects in a migratory songbird

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1423
• Publication Date: 2015-02-23T03:53:00Z
• Authors: William Velmala; Samuli Helle; Markus P. Ahola; Marcel Klaassen; Esa Lehikoinen; Kalle Rainio; Päivi M. Sirkiä; Toni Laaksonen
• Keywords: Songbird

Abstract For migratory birds, the earlier arrival of males to breeding grounds is often expected have fitness benefits. However, selection differential on male time has rarely been decomposed into direct effect and potential indirect effects through female traits. We measured directional in pied flycatcher ( Ficedula hypoleuca ) using data from 6 years annual number fledglings as proxy. Using structural equation modeling, we were able take account temporal structure cycle hierarchy between examined found differentials for date laying date, well strong larger clutch size. These due only these traits was nonsignificant. When decomposing effects, discovered that it almost exclusively not its via In other words, showed first there a while accounting those are mediated by social partner. Our study thus indicates natural directly favored this population.