Аннотация:Mode of exploration of novel environment by birds as examined in open field (OF) tests is a heritable trait. In nature fast and slow explorers markedly differ in patterns of social competition, searching behaviour, dispersal distances and the means of getting reproductive success (Dingemanse et al., 2002; Drent et al., 2003; van Oers, 2003). These differences in life history strategies may be associated with difference in allocation of daily energy expenses during the same phases of the annual cycle. According to the energetic model (Gavrilov, 1997) basal metabolic rate (BMR) may serve as indicator of working capacity of an animal and its ability to perform long term energy consuming behaviours. Recent studies of BMR variation in free living and captive birds found high heritability in this physiological trait (Bushuev, 2009; Nilsson et al., 2009; Tieleman et al., 2009). We investigated the relation between BMR and personality behavioural traits in young great tits, using standard OF tests in late autumn. On average, great tits differing in exploration scores did not differ in BMR. However, fast and slow explorers showed opposite trends in BMR change during their subsequent winter stay in contact with heterosexual partners in outdoor aviaries. This feature was peculiar for males but not females. The results suggest that different personalities differ in factors influencing BMR plasticity. The functional consequences of such asymmetry are discussed in terms of energetic models.
