Testosterone production ability predicts breeding success and tracks breeding stage in male finches

Abstract

Testosterone (T) is an important mediator of reproductive behaviours and potential target for selection. However, there are few data relating natural variation in T to fitness estimates. Here, we used the GnRH challenge (an injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone which stimulates maximal T release), to examine how individual differences in T relate to reproductive success and how T changes across date and breeding stage. We measured pre- and post-challenge T, in captive male Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), before and after introducing females, and across breeding stage. Postchallenge T before introducing females positively predicted breeding success. Post-challenge T levels were unrelated to date, but strongly related to stage; T production ability was strongly attenuated in incubating males. Prechallenge T levels related only to date. Our results suggest that T production ability is an important target for selection and that when males invest heavily in parental care they reduce their sensitivity to GnRH.