Uso de señales multimodales para el reconocimiento y delimitación de especies en pinzones del género Arremon. Estudios previos

Abstract

Signal recognition is fundamental in animal communication, particularly in birds, where song and plumage enable individual identification, hierarchy establishment, and the regulation of social interactions. In sympatric contexts, reinforcement selection may favor more differentiated signals that facilitate species-specific recognition and promote reproductive isolation. However, in allopatric populations—where selective pressure to distinguish phenotypes is reduced—the functional role of these signals remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the recognition of phenotypic signals in Arremon assimilis through territorial intrusion experiments using taxidermic mounts and playback. Aggressive responses were quantified through a PCA-derived index, revealing stronger reactions to homogeneous treatments (Hom–Hom, Het–Het), whereas mixed combinations elicited weaker responses. These results suggest partial recognition between divergent phenotypes; however, the low number of replicates per treatment limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore, increasing the number of experiments per treatment is recommended to enhance statistical inference and obtain more robust and representative insights into the behavioral patterns observed.