Reproductive skew among males in a female-dominated mammalian society |
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Authors: | Engh Anne L; Funk Stephan M; Horn Russell C Van; Scribner Kim T; Bruford Michael W; Libants Scot; Szykman Micaela; Smale Laura; Holekamp Kay E |
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Institution: | a
Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824,
USA
b
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1
4RY, UK
c
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing,
MI 48824, USA
d
Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1
3TL, UK
e
Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824,
USA |
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Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to document patterns of reproductiveskew among male spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), a speciesin which many normal mammalian sex roles are reversed. We usedpaternity determined from 12 microsatellite markers togetherwith demographic and behavioral data collected over 10 yearsfrom a free-living population to document relationships among
reproductive success (RS), social rank, and dispersal statusof male hyenas. Our data suggest that dispersal status andlength of residence are the strongest determinants of RS. Natalmales comprise over 20% of the adult male population, yet theysire only 3% of cubs, whereas immigrants sire 97%. This reproductiveadvantage to immigrants accrues despite the fact that immigrants
are socially subordinate to all adult natal males, and it providesa compelling ultimate explanation for primary dispersal inthis species. High-ranking immigrants do not monopolize reproduction,and tenure accounts for more of the variance in male reproductivesuccess than does social rank. Immigrant male hyenas rarelyfight among themselves, so combat between rivals may be a relativelyineffectual mode of sexual selection in this species. Instead,female choice of mates appears to play an important role in
determining patterns of paternity in Crocuta. Our data supporta "limited control" model of reproductive skew in this species,in which female choice may play a more important role in limitingcontrol by dominant males than do power struggles among males. |
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Keywords: | Crocuta dispersal hyena mate choice rank reproductive skew reproductive success tenure |
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