Actuarial senescence in a dimorphic bird: different rates of aging in morphs with discrete reproductive strategies

This online supplement contains tables in support of the analysis reported in the paper, “Actuarial senescence in a dimorphic bird: different rates of aging in morphs with discrete reproductive strategies”. In this manuscript, we used Bayesian survival trajectory analysis (R package BaSTA) to compare rates of actuarial senescence (increases in the mortality rate with age) between the four morph-sex classes of the dimorphic white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). The morphs of Z. albicollis displays discrete mating strategies and disassortative pairing. Birds of the white-striped morph, particularly males, are more aggressive and seek multiple matings, whereas tan-striped birds are more parental. Thus, this system provides an excellent opportunity to test how intra-sexual competition versus parental care contribute to aging rates. Aging rates are predicted to be higher in males and white-striped birds if intra-sexual competition exerts a stronger effect on senescence, but are predicted to be higher in females and tan-striped birds if parental care has relatively more effect