Truth or dare: honesty of avian sexual signals
Research report (imported) 2005 - Max-Planck-Institut für Ornithologie
Summary
Trade-offs with immunity can theoretically enforce honesty on sexual signals through testosterone, that stimulates sexual traits but also suppresses immunity, and/or carotenoids, that can be used in ornaments or support immune functions. Recently, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found evidence for such trade-offs in male mallards.