Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: SEXUAL size dimorphism exists in many species of birds.Usually the male is larger than the female.Darwin (1922) explained this phenomenon on the basis of intrasexual competition among the males for the possession of mates.The larger males secure more mates and therefore pass on the genetic factors for larger size to more offspring.Although this explanation is generally accepted today (Amadon 1959), it does not explain the reversed size dimorphism (i.e.male smaller than the female) manifest in several groups of birds, including the raptors.Several hypotheses have been previously offered to explain size dimorphism in raptors.Reynolds (1972) reviewed the literature dealing with sexual dimorphism in raptors and offered the hypothesis that the reduced size of the male accipiters gives them a greater foraging efficiency.In summary, he reports (p.196)
Authors: James A. Mosher, Paul F. Matray
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2408008572