Komdeur and colleagues (2007) examined the effectiveness of mate guarding in reducing extra-pair fertilizations in the Seychelle's warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis). They did so by inducing an experimental group of males to stop guarding their females. The results indicated that
A) 30% of the eggs in the experimental group, but only 10% of the eggs in the control group, were lost to predators.
B) 75% of the nestlings in the experimental group, but only 44% of the nestlings in the control group, were sired by a male other than the female's social mate.
C) none of the unguarded female's eggs hatched.
D) only 10% of the nestlings in the experimental group, but 90% of the nestlings in the control group, were sired by a male other than the female's social mate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B because the study by Komdeur and colleagues (2007) on the Seychelle's warbler demonstrated that mate guarding significantly reduces the incidence of extra-pair fertilizations. When males were experimentally induced to stop guarding their mates, there was a substantial increase in the percentage of nestlings sired by males other than the female's social mate, indicating that mate guarding is an effective strategy to ensure paternity in this species.

Komdeur and Colleagues (2007) Examined the Effectiveness of Mate Guarding