We believe that replicating studies in ecology and evolution is extremely valuable, but
replication within species and systems is troublingly rare, and even 'quasi-replications' in …

The study of avian signalling systems is an important avenue for research on animal
communication. More specifically, the use of plumage traits to signal status or fighting ability …

To successfully navigate their social environments animals need to assess conspecifics.
Quality signals and social recognition are 2 assessment strategies that animals employ to …

Social and intrasexual competition for access to food, territory and reproduction is a major
selection force acting on male phenotypes. In contrast, its evolutionary consequences for …

Evolutionary biologists seek to explain the origin and maintenance of phenotypes, and a
substantial portion of this research is accomplished by thorough study of individual species …

Badges of status, usually color patches, are hypothesized to serve as important signals
within natural populations by communicating an individual's fighting ability or …

Territoriality is a widespread behaviour in animals and its analysis is crucial in several areas
of behavioural, ecological and evolutionary research. Commonly, territory size is assessed …

The bright colours of nestlings' mouths are conspicuous when they beg. Three main
hypotheses suggest that nestling mouth colour (1) increases detectability in dim ambient …

Static animal colour patches may function among competitors to minimize conflict escalation
over resources, by serving as a signal of resource holding potential or aggressiveness …

Delayed plumage maturation (DPM) in young males (in their second year of life: SY) of some
species of birds has been found to reduce aggression directed at these younger males. Tree …