Immunocompetence, testosterone and breeding success in red bishop (Euplectes orix)

The life-history theory postulates that individuals need to allocate limited resources (i.e. energy expenditure, time, effort) to multiple conflicting life functions (i.e. growth, health maintenance, reproduction). Resources available to any given individual are always finite and any investment in a life function thus diminishes the resources available for another. In my thesis, I present three studies centred around trade-offs between reproductive success and health in adult and nestling red bishops (Euplectes orix). The studies employ multiple methods to assess general health (e.g. body condition index, white blood cell count) and immune responsiveness (phytohaemagglutinin skin swelling test) in both wild and captive birds. Results are discussed with respect to theories and hypotheses from evolutionary biology ('immunocompetence-handicap hypothesis', 'good-genes hypothesis', 'compatible-genes hypothesis, and 'sex-allocation theory'), and with respect to possible influences of environmental factors on the immune system.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Oldenburg

Year

2007

Author dc:creator

• Edler, Ralf

• [Keine Schlagwörter von Autor/in vergeben.]

Repository record source_url

http://oops.uni-oldenburg.de/16

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oops.uni-oldenburg.de:16