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Reproductive skew, concessions and limited control
1Dept of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK CB2 3EJ.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Reproductive skew models in animal societies need refinement. Future research should explore the balance of costs and benefits in reproductive contests between dominant and subordinate individuals.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Sociobiology
Background:
- Reproductive skew theory proposes dominants permit subordinate breeding to maintain group cohesion.
- Existing models' assumptions may not universally apply to diverse animal societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate current reproductive skew models in cooperative and eusocial animal groups.
- To highlight the need for models incorporating direct reproductive conflict between dominants and subordinates.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of reproductive skew models.
- Review of empirical evidence in animal societies.
- Conceptual framework development for contest outcomes.
Main Results:
- Many predicted trends align with a struggle for reproduction, not just concessions.
- The outcome of reproductive contests depends on costs and benefits for all parties.
Conclusions:
- Reproductive skew models require revision to include direct conflict and contest dynamics.
- Empirical studies must differentiate between reproductive concessions and control failures.
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