Perspectives on the evolution of animal dancing: a case study of manakins

dc.contributor.authorFuxjager, Matthew J.
dc.contributor.authorSchlinger, Barney A.
dc.date.accessioned2015-07-28T13:36:25Z
dc.date.available2015-07-28T13:36:25Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractElaborate physical courtship displays of many male vertebrates require extensive neuromuscular coordination dependent on hormonal activation. How neuromuscular systems evolve to perform essential natural behaviors as well as specialized behaviors required for courtship is poorly understood. We have explored neural, endocrine and muscular adaptations underlying the complex courtship displays of male golden-collared manakins, a bird of neotropical forests. We find that in addition to unique androgen-sensitivity in brain and spinal cord, these birds evolved increased expression of androgen-receptors (AR) in their skeletal musculature. Our evidence from studies of this species and others indicates that selection for elevated skeletal muscle AR expression forms the basis for the evolution of physically elaborate courtship displays.
dc.format.extent7–12
dc.identifier2352-1546
dc.identifier.citationFuxjager, Matthew J. and Schlinger, Barney A. 2015. "Perspectives on the evolution of animal dancing: a case study of manakins." <em>Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences</em>, 6 7–12. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.06.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.06.007</a>.
dc.identifier.issn2352-1546
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10088/26699
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.relation.ispartofCurrent Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 6
dc.titlePerspectives on the evolution of animal dancing: a case study of manakins
dc.typearticle
sro.description.unitSTRI
sro.description.unitResearch Associate
sro.description.unitPost-doc
sro.identifier.doi10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.06.007
sro.identifier.itemID136621
sro.identifier.refworksID16177

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