Estimating heritability of song considering within-individual variance in a wild songbird: The collared flycatcher

Jablonszky, Mónika; Cañal, David; Hegyi, Gergely; Herényi, Márton; Laczi, Miklós; Lao, Oscar; Markó, Gábor; Rosivall, Balázs; Szász, Eszter; Török, János; Zsebők, Sándor; Garamszegi, László Zsolt

doi:10.3389/fevo.2022.975687

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 89 publications

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“…This suggests that, by interpreting the phylogenetic heritability, we cannot assess if the similarity in song diversity between related species of weaverbirds came from a common cultural heritage or a common genetic heritage, while this objective could be achieved within a species (Wickler et al, 2006). In a recent study, Jablonszky et. al (2022) used a quantitative genetic method to estimate song versatility heritability in collared flycatcher and obtain an heritability of 0.09 (95%CI = [0.05, 0.13]) suggesting that birds mainly adjust their song to their current environment or condition, or that they learn their signals from other individuals than their parents.…”

Section: Phylogeny Constrains Song Evolutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colony size as the main driver of the evolution of song diversity and composition in weaverbirds

Harscouet,

Adenot,

Thetiot

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Birdsong is a complex signal shaped by multiple factors and has been explored most widely through the lens of sexual selection, but with mixed results. Here, we focus on the evolution of two song parameters, diversity, which is widely studied, and composition, which is poorly understood. We assessed the potential role of mating system as a proxy of sexual selection, but in addition, investigated whether colony size, a proxy of sociality, and phylogenetic history influence the evolution of these parameters in weaverbirds family (Aves: Ploceidae). Using comparative and path analyses we find that, as expected, species living in larger colonies present greater song diversity and had similar song composition. However, contrary to expectations, polygamous species do not present higher song diversity, nor more similar acoustic composition than monogamous species. A relatively high effect of phylogeny was detected on both song variables. Our results thus suggest that, in this family, sociality is a stronger driver of song diversity and composition than sexual selection. These findings highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach when studying bird song evolution and the relevance of sociality.

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Section: Phylogeny Constrains Song Evolutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colony size as the main driver of the evolution of song diversity and composition in weaverbirds

Harscouet,

Adenot,

Thetiot

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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The effect of repeated measurements and within-individual variance on the estimation of heritability: a simulation study

Jablonszky,

Garamszegi

2024

Behav Ecol Sociobiol

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The estimation of heritability is a common practice in the field of ecology and evolution. Heritability of the traits is often estimated using one single measurement per individual, although many traits (especially behavioural and physiological traits) are characterized by large within-individual variance, and ideally a large number of within individual measurements can be obtained. Importantly, the effect of the within-individual variance and the rate at which this variance is sampled on the estimation of heritability has not been thoroughly tested. We fill this gap of knowledge with a simulation study, and assess the effect of within- and between-individual sample size, and the true value of the variance components on the estimation of heritability. In line with previous studies we found that the accuracy and precision of heritability estimation increased with sample size and accuracy with higher values of additive genetic variance. When the sample size was above 500 accuracy and power of heritability estimates increased in the models including repeated measurements, especially when within-individual variance was high. We thus suggest to use a sample of more than 100 individuals and to include more than two repeated measurements per individual in the models to improve estimation when investigating heritability of labile traits. Significance statement Heritability reflects the part of the trait’s phenotypic variation underlined by genetic variation. Despite the difficulties of heritability calculation (high number of individuals is needed with known relatedness), it is a widely used measure in evolutionary studies. However, not every factor potentially affecting the quality of heritability estimation is well understood. We thus investigated with a comprehensive simulation study how the number of repeated measurements per individuals and the amount of within-individual variation influence the goodness of heritability estimation. We found that although the previously described effect of the number of studied individuals was the most important, including repeated measurements also improved the reliability of the heritability estimates, especially when within-individual variation was high. Our results thus highlight the importance of including repeated measurements when investigating the heritability of highly plastic traits, such as behavioural or physiological traits.

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Estimating heritability of song considering within-individual variance in a wild songbird: The collared flycatcher

Cited by 2 publications

References 89 publications

Colony size as the main driver of the evolution of song diversity and composition in weaverbirds

Colony size as the main driver of the evolution of song diversity and composition in weaverbirds

The effect of repeated measurements and within-individual variance on the estimation of heritability: a simulation study

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