The general purpose of this project is to study the various facets of monogamy and the use of information from conspecifics in a panarctic seabird in Alaska. Since last year's application we have produced 8 papers in high standard journals. Though these papers do not directly result from data collected in Alaska yet, many are directly connected to our IPEV project. On top of the continuation of data collection, 2006 will be devoted partly to the writing of papers with data gathered in previous years. The first paper will concern the young sperm hypothesis. Data gathered in 2005 will also lead to a first publication on mate recognition, a prerequisite of active mate choice.

In 2006, our project includes three groups of projects 1- continuing our long term projects (mate choice in relation to genes, significance of sexual signals and their capacity to reveal phenotypic quality, experimental test of the habitat-copying hypothesis); 2- New projects (voice as identity, egg conductivity in relation to phenotype, Sperm as an anti STD strategy); 3- Prospective studies to prepare 2007 (Siblicide and begging behavior, nest composition as an anti parasite strategy, Chick development and intestine parasites, territorial challenges during the breeding season, late evening attendance). We develop 2 new collaborations with a) the IPEV INCUB project [the physiology of incubation], and b) Karen McCoy fro the IRD in Montpellier [developing MHC markers to study of mate choice in relation to genetic characteristics]. In 2006 our project will involve two PhD students and two field assistants.