Living in stable social groups is associated with reduced brain size in woodpeckers (Picidae)
Abstract
Group size predicts brain size in primates and some other mammal groups, but no such relationship has been found in birds. Instead, stable pair-bonding and bi-parental care have been identified as correlates of larger brains in birds. We investigated the relationship between brain size and social system within the family Picidae, using phylogenetically controlled regression analysis. We found no specific effect of duration or strength of pair bonds, but brain sizes were systematically smaller in species living in long-lasting social groups of larger sizes. Group living may only present a cognitive challenge in groups in which members have individually competitive relationships; we therefore propose that groups functioning for cooperative benefit may allow disinvestment in expensive brain tissue.
Citation
Fedorova , N , Evans , C L & Byrne , R W 2017 , ' Living in stable social groups is associated with reduced brain size in woodpeckers ( Picidae ) ' , Biology Letters , vol. 13 , no. 3 , 20170008 . https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2017.0008
Publication
Biology Letters
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1744-9561Type
Journal article
Rights
© 2017 the Author(s). This work has been made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2017.0008
Description
NF was supported by University of St Andrews undergraduate research assistantship program, and CLE was supported by a BBSRC studentship.Collections
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