Abstract

GARCIA, Luis F.  and  MERIZALDE, Gabriel. The effect of the major histocompatibility complex on olfaction and sexual selection in birds. Rev. acad. colomb. cienc. exact. fis. nat. [online]. 2024, vol.48, n.186, pp.109-130.  Epub Mar 22, 2024. ISSN 0370-3908.  https://doi.org/10.18257/raccefyn.2418.

Sexual selection plays a fundamental role in the evolution of many species. In birds, intersexual selection is a function of females during the reproductive period, when they choose males to mate and transmit their genes to their offspring. Ornaments, more noticeable during this period, have been seen as signs of quality. However, it is unclear how they associate with other characteristics more directly related to the survival of offspring, such as the immune response against pathogens, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). There is evidence of an association between the scent of preen oil and MHC that would allow to identify similarities and differences between mates. Here we review the studies conducted in recent decades on the role of smell and MHC in the intersexual selection of birds. We also overviewed what is known about MHC and its products in non-passerine birds whose MHC genetic structure is very simple, and in passerine birds with multiple duplications of the MHC genes. We reviewed reports supporting the association between MHC and selection, particularly in females seeking additional sexual partners to increase heterozygosity and the variety of MHC in offspring and decrease homozygosity and endogamy. There are still gaps in our knowledge of many birds' sexual selection that should be addressed from an interdisciplinary approach to fully understand the mechanisms and meaning of this fascinating evolutionary process.

Keywords : Birds; Sexual selection; Major histocompatibility complex; Preen oil; Odor; Fitness.

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