Genetic correlation between aggressive signals and fighting

Theoretical analyses indicate that aggressive signals should positively correlate with the signallers' willingness and abilities to fight. Few experimental studies, however, have tested this prediction. In two experiments employing distinct, ecologically realistic protocols, we quantified the association between aggressive signals and fighting in fruit fly genotypes and found high positive genetic correlations between threat and fighting (r(G) = 0.80 and 0.74). Our results add to the growing body of experimental work indicating that aggressive signals have relatively high informational value.

Automated summary

Theoretical analyses suggest that aggressive signals should be correlated with the willingness and ability of the signalers to fight. However, there have been few experimental studies testing this prediction. In two ecologically realistic experiments, using fruit fly genotypes, the association between aggressive signals and fighting was quantified, revealing high positive genetic correlations between threat and fighting (r(G) = 0.80 and 0.74). These results contribute to the growing body of experimental evidence indicating the informative value of aggressive signals.