Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


bgsu1320329862.pdf (2.24 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Exploring female preference for male melanic pigmentation patterns in the Malawian cichlid Metriaclima zebra

Medina García, Angela L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1320329862

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
The spectacular diversification of cichlids that has taken place in only a few million years constitutes a superb model-system for the study of speciation. Sexual selection may be one of the primary forces that drives speciation in African cichlids. The rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malawi exhibit a striking variety of melanic pigmentation patterns on their bodies, faces, and dorsal fins, however the role of these patterns in female preference is poorly understood. In this study, female mate preference for four different male pigmentation patterns was tested in the widespread Malawian cichlid, Metriaclima zebra. Using 3D computer-animated models as synthetic stimuli, female preferences were tested in two-choice trials and assessed with two approaches: 1) association time, and 2) a motivational approach using an associative learning paradigm. For the second approach, M. zebra females were trained to swim through a hoop in order to gain visual access to a computer-animated model of a male. In two-way choice trials, females were given the opportunity to gain visual access to either a computer-animation of a conspecific male from the same population; a computer-animated variant of a conspecific male in which features of the dark pigmentation pattern were manipulated; or a sympatric heterospecific, Metriaclima callainos. A female’s preference for a particular male was assessed by: 1) proportion of time spent in association with the male and 2) the frequency of operant behaviors to gain visual access to the male. The computer-animated models were shown to be reinforcers of behavior in Metriaclima zebra females. However, in neither approach did the females exhibit a preference for the conspecific over any of the alternative variants or heterospecific presented. The motivational approach revealed high variation in mate preferences among individuals. These results suggest that male’s dark pigmentation patterns alone are insufficient for species recognition in M. zebra and that female’s preference in this species is likely multivariate in the visual modality.
Moira van Staaden, PhD (Advisor)
Robert Huber, PhD (Committee Member)
Sheryl Coombs, PhD (Committee Member)
53 p.
Biology
speciation; cichlid fishes; sexual selection; mate choice; visual cues; Lake Malawi; Metriaclima zebra

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Medina García, A. L. (2011). Exploring female preference for male melanic pigmentation patterns in the Malawian cichlid Metriaclima zebra [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1320329862

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Medina García, Angela. Exploring female preference for male melanic pigmentation patterns in the Malawian cichlid Metriaclima zebra. 2011. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1320329862.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Medina García, Angela. "Exploring female preference for male melanic pigmentation patterns in the Malawian cichlid Metriaclima zebra." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1320329862

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1320329862
698
© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.