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Natal habitat and sex-specific survival rates result in a male-biased adult sex ratio.


ABSTRACT: The adult sex ratio (ASR) is a crucial component of the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping the dynamics of a population. Although in many declining populations ASRs have been reported to be skewed, empirical studies exploring the demographic factors shaping ASRs are still rare. In this study of the socially monogamous and sexually dimorphic Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa limosa), we aim to evaluate the sex ratio of chicks at hatch and the subsequent sex-specific survival differences occurring over 3 subsequent life stages. We found that, at hatch, the sex ratio did not deviate from parity. However, the survival of pre-fledged females was 15-30% lower than that of males and the sex bias in survival was higher in low-quality habitat. Additionally, survival of adult females was almost 5% lower than that of adult males. Because survival rates of males and females did not differ during other life-history stages, the ASR in the population was biased toward males. Because females are larger than males, food limitations during development or sex-specific differences in the duration of development may explain the lower survival of female chicks. Differences among adults are less obvious and suggest previously unknown sex-related selection pressures. Irrespective of the underlying causes, by reducing the available number of females in this socially monogamous species, a male-biased ASR is likely to contribute to the ongoing decline of the Dutch godwit population.

SUBMITTER: Loonstra AHJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6562303 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Natal habitat and sex-specific survival rates result in a male-biased adult sex ratio.

Loonstra A H Jelle AHJ   Verhoeven Mo A MA   Senner Nathan R NR   Hooijmeijer Jos C E W JCEW   Piersma Theunis T   Kentie Rosemarie R  

Behavioral ecology : official journal of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology 20190222 3


The adult sex ratio (ASR) is a crucial component of the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping the dynamics of a population. Although in many declining populations ASRs have been reported to be skewed, empirical studies exploring the demographic factors shaping ASRs are still rare. In this study of the socially monogamous and sexually dimorphic Black-tailed Godwit (<i>Limosa limosa limosa</i>), we aim to evaluate the sex ratio of chicks at hatch and the subsequent sex-specific survival diffe  ...[more]

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