1
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Czocherová I, Svetlík J, Rubáčová L. Intra- and interspecific interactions in the two coexisting Locustella warblers revealed by song playback experiments. Behav Processes 2024; 216:104992. [PMID: 38253112 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.104992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Males usually come into conflict due to competition for territories and females. However, interference competition can also occur between males of congeneric species when their ecological requirements are overlapping. Using acoustic playback experiments, we investigated male-male interactions within and between Grasshopper (Locustella naevia; GW) and River Warbler (L. fluviatilis; RW). Our objective was to evaluate the song and behavioural response of tested males of both species to conspecific song stimuli in order to compare this with the response to congeneric stimulus, based on which we could assess whether these two commonly co-existing species show interspecific territorialism. A total of nine GW and 11 RW males were tested in May and June 2019 in western Slovakia. The ability to differentiate between the heterospecific (control), congeneric, and conspecific stimuli was similar between the two species. Conspecific playback elicited the strongest non-vocal response and a significant change in vocalization. The GW males shortened the songs, while the RW males shortened the songs and also increased their syllable rate. The congeneric playback elicited a lower intensity of behavioural response than conspecific playback and no change in vocalization in either species. We conclude that interspecific interference competition between GW and RW is rather low, suggesting that the species' ecological requirements are separated, although these two congeneric species commonly share habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Czocherová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava 4, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ján Svetlík
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava 4, Slovak Republic
| | - Lucia Rubáčová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava 4, Slovak Republic
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2
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Socioecological conditions predict degu social instability and provide limited cues to forecast subsequent breeding conditions. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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3
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Port M, Hildenbrandt H, Pen I, Schülke O, Ostner J, Weissing FJ. The evolution of social philopatry in female primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 173:397-410. [PMID: 32779763 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The transition from solitary life to sociality is considered one of the major transitions in evolution. In primates, this transition is currently not well understood. Traditional verbal models appear insufficient to unravel the complex interplay of environmental and demographic factors involved in the evolution of primate sociality, and recent phylogenetic reconstructions have produced conflicting results. We therefore analyze a theoretical model for the evolution of female social philopatry that sheds new light on the question why most primates live in groups. In individual-based simulations, we study the evolution of dispersal strategies of both resident females and their offspring. The model reveals that social philopatry can evolve through kin selection, even if retention of offspring is costly in terms of within-group resource competition and provides no direct benefits. Our model supports the role of predator avoidance as a selective pressure for group-living in primates, but it also suggests that a second benefit of group-living, communal resource defense, might be required to trigger the evolution of sizable groups. Lastly, our model reveals that seemingly small differences in demographic parameters can have profound effects on primate social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Port
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hanno Hildenbrandt
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Pen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Research Group Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Research Group Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franz J Weissing
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Lemoine S, Boesch C, Preis A, Samuni L, Crockford C, Wittig RM. Group dominance increases territory size and reduces neighbour pressure in wild chimpanzees. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200577. [PMID: 32537232 PMCID: PMC7277268 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Territorial social species, including humans, compete between groups over key resources. This between-group competition has evolutionary implications on adaptations like in-group cooperation even with non-kin. An emergent property of between-group competition is group dominance. Mechanisms of group dominance in wild animal populations are difficult to study, as they require long-term data on several groups within a population. Here, using long-term data on four neighbouring groups of wild western chimpanzees, we test the hypothesis that group dominance impacts the costs and benefits of between-group competition, measured by territory size and the pressure exerted by neighbouring groups. Larger groups had larger territories and suffered less neighbour pressure compared with smaller groups. Within-group increase in the number of males led to territory increase, suggesting the role of males in territory acquisition. However, variation in territory sizes and neighbour pressure was better explained by group size. This suggests that the bisexually-bonded social system of western chimpanzees, where females participate in territorial behaviour, confers a competitive advantage to larger groups and that group dominance acts through group size in this population. Considering variation in social systems offers new insights on how group dominance acts in territorial species and its evolutionary implications on within-group cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Lemoine
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taї Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Preis
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taї Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Liran Samuni
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taї Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Catherine Crockford
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taї Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Roman M. Wittig
- Department of Primatology, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taї Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Yopougon, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
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5
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Huck M, Di Fiore A, Fernandez-Duque E. Of Apples and Oranges? The Evolution of “Monogamy” in Non-human Primates. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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6
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Port M, Schülke O, Ostner J. Reproductive tolerance in male primates: Old paradigms and new evidence. Evol Anthropol 2018; 27:107-120. [PMID: 29971904 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Within social groups of primates, males commonly compete over reproduction, but they may also rely on cooperation with other males. Theory suggests that it may be adaptive for male primates to tolerate some reproduction by other males if reproductive tolerance fosters cooperation, particularly that dominant males yield so-called reproductive concessions to subordinates to entice their cooperation. We review four recent studies that claimed to have found evidence for reproductive concessions or similar forms of reproductive tolerance. However, upon critical reevaluation of their results, no study provides conclusive support for reproductive concessions as predicted by theoretical models. Yet two studies demonstrated a form of reproductive tolerance that cannot be explained by any of the existing models, and that seems to have evolved only in multi-male, multi-female societies with diverse strategic options for males. Our article provides guidance how to study this form of reproductive tolerance in the absence of a unifying model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Port
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Research Group Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Research Group Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Tao T, Abades S, Teng S, Huang ZYX, Reino L, Chen BJW, Zhang Y, Xu C, Svenning JC. Macroecological factors shape local-scale spatial patterns in agriculturalist settlements. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:rspb.2017.2003. [PMID: 29118138 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macro-scale patterns of human systems ranging from population distribution to linguistic diversity have attracted recent attention, giving rise to the suggestion that macroecological rules shape the assembly of human societies. However, in which aspects the geography of our own species is shaped by macroecological factors remains poorly understood. Here, we provide a first demonstration that macroecological factors shape strong local-scale spatial patterns in human settlement systems, through an analysis of spatial patterns in agriculturalist settlements in eastern mainland China based on high-resolution Google Earth images. We used spatial point pattern analysis to show that settlement spatial patterns are characterized by over-dispersion at fine spatial scales (0.05-1.4 km), consistent with territory segregation, and clumping at coarser spatial scales beyond the over-dispersion signals, indicating territorial clustering. Statistical modelling shows that, at macroscales, potential evapotranspiration and topographic heterogeneity have negative effects on territory size, but positive effects on territorial clustering. These relationships are in line with predictions from territory theory for hunter-gatherers as well as for many animal species. Our results help to disentangle the complex interactions between intrinsic spatial processes in agriculturalist societies and external forcing by macroecological factors. While one may speculate that humans can escape ecological constraints because of unique abilities for environmental modification and globalized resource transportation, our work highlights that universal macroecological principles still shape the geography of current human agricultural societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Tao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sebastián Abades
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Pirámide 5750, Huechuraba, Chile
| | - Shuqing Teng
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Zheng Y X Huang
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Luís Reino
- CIBIO/InBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Campus Agrário de Vairão, University of Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.,CIBIO/InBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal.,CEABN/InBIO-Centro de Estudos Ambientais 'Prof. Baeta Neves', Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bin J W Chen
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chi Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Center for Biodiversity, Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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8
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Ebensperger LA, Aracena S, Avendaño N, Toro A, León C, Ramírez-Estrada J, Abades S. Social instability decreases alloparental care and quality of weaned offspring in a communally rearing rodent. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Kappeler PM. Sex roles and adult sex ratios: insights from mammalian biology and consequences for primate behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160321. [PMID: 28760762 PMCID: PMC5540861 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical models and empirical studies in various taxa have identified important links between variation in sex roles and the number of adult males and females (adult sex ratio (ASR)) in a population. In this review, I examine these relationships in non-human primates. Because most existing theoretical models of the evolution of sex roles focus on the evolutionary origins of sex-biased behaviour, they offer only a general scaffold for predicting variation in sex roles among and within species. I argue that studies examining sex role variation at these more specific levels need to take social organization into account to identify meaningful levels for the measurement of ASR and to account for the fact that ASR and sex roles mutually influence each other. Moreover, taxon-specific life-history traits can constrain sex role flexibility and impact the operational sex ratio (OSR) by specifying the minimum length of female time outs from reproduction. Using examples from the primate literature, I highlight practical problems in estimating ASR and OSR. I then argue that interspecific variation in the occurrence of indirect forms of paternal care might indeed be linked to variation in ASR. Some studies also indicate that female aggression and bonding, as well as components of inter-sexual relationships, are sensitive to variation in ASR. Thus, links between primate sex roles and sex ratios merit further study, and such studies could prompt the development of more specific theoretical models that make realistic assumptions about taxon-specific life history and social organization.This article is part of the themed issue 'Adult sex ratios and reproductive decisions: a critical re-examination of sex differences in human and animal societies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kappeler
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstrasse 19, 14193 Berlin, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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10
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Teichroeb JA, Jack KM. Alpha male replacements in nonhuman primates: Variability in processes, outcomes, and terminology. Am J Primatol 2017; 79. [PMID: 28543783 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpha male replacements occur in all primates displaying a dominance hierarchy but the process can be extremely variable. Here, we review the primate literature to document differences in patterns of alpha male replacements, showing that group composition and dispersal patterns account for a large proportion of this variability. We also examine the consequences of alpha male replacements in terms of sexual selection theory, infanticide, and group compositions. Though alpha male replacements are often called takeovers in the literature, this term masks much of the variation that is present in these processes. We argue for more concise terminology and provide a list of terms that we suggest more accurately define these events. Finally, we introduce the papers in this special issue on alpha male replacements in the American Journal of Primatology and discuss areas where data are still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Teichroeb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katharine M Jack
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
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11
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Huck M, Fernandez-Duque E. The floater's dilemma: use of space by wild solitary Azara's owl monkeys, Aotus azarae, in relation to group ranges. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Port M, Schülke O, Ostner J. From Individual to Group Territoriality: Competitive Environments Promote the Evolution of Sociality. Am Nat 2017; 189:E46-E57. [DOI: 10.1086/690218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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13
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Ebensperger LA, Correa LA, León C, Ramírez‐Estrada J, Abades S, Villegas Á, Hayes LD. The modulating role of group stability on fitness effects of group size is different in females and males of a communally rearing rodent. J Anim Ecol 2016; 85:1502-1515. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Ebensperger
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Loreto A. Correa
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Cecilia León
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Juan Ramírez‐Estrada
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Sebastian Abades
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB) Las Palmeras 3425 Santiago Chile
| | - Álvaro Villegas
- Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Loren D. Hayes
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga TN 37403 USA
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14
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Georgiev A, Christie D, Rosenfield K, Ruiz-Lambides A, Maldonado E, Emery Thompson M, Maestripieri D. Breaking the succession rule: the costs and benefits of an alpha-status take-over by an immigrant rhesus macaque on Cayo Santiago. BEHAVIOUR 2016. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Explaining intraspecific variation in reproductive tactics hinges on measuring associated costs and benefits. Yet, this is difficult if alternative (purportedly less optimal) tactics remain unobserved. We describe a rare alpha-position take-over by an immigrant male rhesus macaque in a population where males typically gain rank via succession. Unusually, male aggressiveness after the take-over correlated with rank and mating success. The new alpha achieved the highest mating and reproductive success. Nevertheless, he sired only 4 infants due to high extra-group paternity (59.3%). The costs of his immigration tactic were high: after the mating season ended, unable to deter coalitionary attacks by resident males, he was overthrown. The following year he had the highest relative annual weight loss and levels of immune activation among males in the group. Succession-based rank-acquisition in large, provisioned groups of macaques thus appears to be actively maintained by resident males, who impose high costs on challengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Georgiev
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, 940 E57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Diana Christie
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, 1321 Kincaid Street, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Kevin A. Rosenfield
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - Angelina V. Ruiz-Lambides
- Caribbean Primate Research Center–Cayo Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, PR 00741, Puerto Rico
| | - Elizabeth Maldonado
- Caribbean Primate Research Center–Cayo Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, PR 00741, Puerto Rico
| | - Melissa Emery Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 500 University Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, 940 E57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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15
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Leimberger KG, Lewis RJ. Patterns of male dispersal in Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) at Kirindy Mitea National Park. Am J Primatol 2015; 79. [PMID: 26255992 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Males of many group-living mammals emigrate from their social groups to improve mating opportunities. To help mitigate the social and locational costs of dispersal and to increase reproductive benefits, they may immigrate seasonally, immigrate alongside a partner, and/or replace the alpha male (versus entering a group as a subordinate). Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) are highly seasonally breeding primates characterized by male-biased dispersal. We hypothesized that (i) males time immigrations to pursue immediate mating opportunities, (ii) entrances with partners more often result in alpha male replacement, and (iii) male competitive ability affects immigration strategy and alpha male tenure length. To assess these proximate aspects of male dispersal, we examined 7 years of demographic, morphological, and behavioral data for five social groups of Verreaux's sifaka in the Kirindy Mitea National Park in western Madagascar. Contrary to expectations and studies of sifaka dispersal in other populations, we detected no strong seasonal pattern in immigrations. Immigrations occurred individually and with partners, and a trend existed for partners to increase the likelihood of replacing an alpha male. Pronounced activity of the sternal scent gland (a proxy for testosterone and prior dominance status), but not body mass, canine size, or potential correlates of leaping ability, significantly influenced immigration strategy. The absence of a seasonal immigration pattern suggests that fluid group boundaries may allow mating success without establishment in a social group before the mating season. Our results also suggest that male immigration strategies are affected by age, prior dominance status, and testosterone levels but not morphological indicators of individual competitive ability. Coalitions may be used to improve competitive ability. Finally, differences in seasonal immigration patterns and length of alpha male vacancies observed at Kirindy Mitea may be due to the relatively low population density. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22455, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara G Leimberger
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Rebecca J Lewis
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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16
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Port M, Cant MA. Reproductive Competition Among Males in Multimale Groups of Primates: Modeling the Costs and Effectiveness of Conflict. INT J PRIMATOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-013-9744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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