Testing the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis: A review of the evidence
Article Abstract:
An analysis on two of the assumptions of the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis, that testosterone reduces immunocompetence and increases parasitism is conducted to ascertain any statistical trend in the data revealing evidence to test the hypothesis. Although there is some evidence to suggest that testosterone is responsible for the magnitude of trait expression or development of sexual traits, it is by no means conclusive.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2004
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Song as an indicator of parasitism in the sedge warbler
Article Abstract:
The links between parasitic infection, sexually selected song traits and parental care in the sedge warbler have been studied. Observed parasitic infections were linked with an immune response, and incidence of infection covaried with the expression of sexually selected song traits. The female choice for such traits could be linked to parental care, as the offspring of parasitized males was provisioned at a lower rate.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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Parasitism increases offspring size in a damselfly: Experimental evidence for parasite-mediated maternal effects
Article Abstract:
An experiment manipulated the ectoparasite load of damselflies and it was found that larvae from mothers with high parasite loads were larger, than those from mothers with low parasite loads. There was a negative link between the number of eggs laid and parasite load, with parasitized mothers having fewer, but perhaps better, offspring.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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