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Jerry O Wolff1, David W Macdonald
1Department of Biology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152-6081, USA. jwolff@memphis.edu
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 17, 2006
Summary
Female multi-male mating (MMM) in mammals is widespread. This study supports the paternity confusion hypothesis, suggesting MMM deters infanticide rather than improving offspring genetics.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Mammalian Reproduction
Background:
- Multi-male mating (MMM) is observed in at least 133 mammalian species.
- Proposed evolutionary benefits include paternity confusion, sexual harassment, and improved offspring fitness.
- Existing hypotheses for MMM's origin include paternity confusion, good genes, and sperm competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the primary evolutionary drivers of multi-male mating (MMM) in female mammals.
- To test the paternity confusion hypothesis against alternative explanations like good genes and sperm competition.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on mammalian mating behaviors.
- Comparative analysis of proposed hypotheses for the evolutionary origins of MMM.
Main Results:
- Evidence strongly supports the paternity confusion hypothesis as the main driver for MMM.
- The good genes and sperm competition hypotheses are less convincing as widespread explanations for MMM's origin.
- Paternity confusion effectively deters male infanticide, a significant selective pressure.
Conclusions:
- The original paternity confusion hypothesis for multi-male mating (MMM) is the most robust explanation for its prevalence in mammals.
- While other benefits may exist, they are unlikely to be the primary evolutionary cause of MMM.
- Understanding MMM is crucial for comprehending mammalian social structures and reproductive strategies.
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