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Evolutionary trade-off between vocal tract and testes dimensions in howler monkeys

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posted on 2023-06-09, 01:21 authored by Jacob C Dunn, Lauren B Halenar, Thomas G Davies, Jurgi Cristobal-Azkarate, David Reby, Dan Sykes, Sabine Dengg, W Tecumseh Fitch, Leslie A Knapp
Males often face a trade-off between investments in precopulatory and postcopulatory traits [1], particularly when male-male contest competition determines access to mates [2]. To date, studies of precopulatory strategies have largely focused on visual ornaments (e.g., coloration) or weapon morphology (e.g., antlers, horns, and canines). However, vocalizations can also play an important role in both male competition and female choice [3, 4 and 5]. We investigated variation in vocal tract dimensions among male howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.), which produce loud roars using a highly specialized and greatly enlarged hyoid bone and larynx [ 6]. We examined the relative male investment in hyoids and testes among howler monkey species in relation to the level of male-male competition and analyzed the acoustic consequences of variation in hyoid morphology. Species characterized by single-male groups have large hyoids and small testes, suggesting high levels of vocally mediated competition. Larger hyoids lower formant frequencies, probably increasing the acoustic impression of male body size and playing a role analogous to investment in large body size or weaponry. Across species, as the number of males per group increases, testes volume also increases, indicating higher levels of postcopulatory sperm competition, while hyoid volume decreases. These results provide the first evidence of an evolutionary trade-off between investment in precopulatory vocal characteristics and postcopulatory sperm production.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Current Biology

ISSN

0960-9822

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

21

Volume

25

Page range

2839-2844

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-05-24

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-05-24

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-05-24

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