Using probability modelling and genetic parentage assignment to test the role of local mate availability in mating system variation

dc.contributor.authorBlyton, Michaelaen_AU
dc.contributor.authorBanks, Samuelen_AU
dc.contributor.authorPeakall, Rodneyen_AU
dc.contributor.authorLindenmayer, David Ben_AU
dc.date.accessioned2015-12-10T23:05:43Z
dc.date.issued2012
dc.date.updated2016-02-24T10:52:33Z
dc.description.abstractThe formal testing of mating system theories with empirical data is important for evaluating the relative importance of different processes in shaping mating systems in wild populations. Here, we present a generally applicable probability modelling framework to test the role of local mate availability in determining a population's level of genetic monogamy. We provide a significance test for detecting departures in observed mating patterns from model expectations based on mate availability alone, allowing the presence and direction of behavioural effects to be inferred. The assessment of mate availability can be flexible and in this study it was based on population density, sex ratio and spatial arrangement. This approach provides a useful tool for (1) isolating the effect of mate availability in variable mating systems and (2) in combination with genetic parentage analyses, gaining insights into the nature of mating behaviours in elusive species. To illustrate this modelling approach, we have applied it to investigate the variable mating system of the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus cunninghami) and compared the model expectations with the outcomes of genetic parentage analysis over an 18-year study. The observed level of monogamy was higher than predicted under the model. Thus, behavioural traits, such as mate guarding or selective mate choice, may increase the population level of monogamy. We show that combining genetic parentage data with probability modelling can facilitate an improved understanding of the complex interactions between behavioural adaptations and demographic dynamics in driving mating system variation.
dc.identifier.issn0962-1083
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1885/62483
dc.language.isoen_AUen_AU
dc.publisherBlackwell Publishing Ltd
dc.sourceMolecular Ecology
dc.subjectKeywords: microsatellite DNA; mitochondrial DNA; animal; article; female; genetic polymorphism; genetics; male; molecular genetics; nucleotide sequence; pedigree; population; population dynamics; sexual behavior; theoretical model; Trichosurus; Animals; DNA, Mitoch mate availability; mating system; monogamy; probability modelling; Trichosurus cunninghami
dc.titleUsing probability modelling and genetic parentage assignment to test the role of local mate availability in mating system variation
dc.typeJournal article
local.bibliographicCitation.issue3
local.bibliographicCitation.lastpage586
local.bibliographicCitation.startpage572
local.contributor.affiliationBlyton, Michaela, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU
local.contributor.affiliationBanks, Samuel, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU
local.contributor.affiliationPeakall, Rodney, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU
local.contributor.affiliationLindenmayer, David, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU
local.contributor.authoremailu4633309@anu.edu.auen_AU
local.contributor.authoruidBlyton, Michaela, u4633309
local.contributor.authoruidBanks, Samuel, u4446668
local.contributor.authoruidPeakall, Rodney, u9306248
local.contributor.authoruidLindenmayer, David, u8808483
local.description.embargo2037-12-31
local.description.notesImported from ARIES
local.identifier.absfor060411 - Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics
local.identifier.absfor060201 - Behavioural Ecology
local.identifier.absseo970106 - Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences
local.identifier.ariespublicationu4279067xPUB703
local.identifier.citationvolume21
local.identifier.doi10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05252.x
local.identifier.scopusID2-s2.0-84855907211
local.identifier.thomsonID000299032600011
local.identifier.uidSubmittedByu4279067
local.type.statusPublished Versionen_AU

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