MHC genotype and male ornamentation: Genetic evidence for the Hamilton-Zuk model

• The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an immunologically important cluster of highly variable genes that is known to affect fitness in domesticated mammals and birds. Spur length of male pheasants in southern Sweden correlates with male viability, female mate choice, and offspring survival rate. Here we show by genetic analyses that the MHC genotype is associated with variation in both male spur length and male viability. These are the first data that directly support a 'good genes' hypothesis by Hamilton and Zuk predicting that females discriminate among males on the basis of secondary sexual characters in order to pass on genes for disease resistance that improve fitness in their offspring.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

branta-leucopsis

barnacle goose

sexual selection

preferences

mating

phasianus-colchicus

major histocompatibility complex

evolution

viability

pheasant

haplotypes

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)