Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Elizabeth MacDougall-Shackleton
Second Advisor
Dr. Yolanda Morbey
Third Advisor
Dr. Jeremy McNeil
Abstract
Birdsong is a complex, multi-component signal. The ‘multiple messages hypothesis’ proposes that each component conveys different information about male quality. If so, certain components may be preferentially advertised or provide different selective advantages. I examined three song components (complexity, sharing, and output) using an acoustic location system to record song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). First, I tested whether males preferentially advertise highly shared songs. I found no general pattern to overproduce such songs; however, older males preferentially sang highly shared dawn song before the onset of nesting. Additionally, daytime song contained more shared content when overall output was low. Second, I investigated the relationship between song components and different aspects of male fitness. None of the components were related to these fitness measures. While shared song is important for male-male interactions, another aspect of song likely advertises male quality to females, supporting the idea that song in this species is multi-faceted.
Recommended Citation
Lapierre, Janet M., "Song as a multi-component signal in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) as measured using an acoustic location system" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4623.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4623