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Promiscuity and the evolution of cooperative breeding
Helen C Leggett1, Claire El Mouden, Geoff Wild
1Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK. helen.leggett@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|October 14, 2011
Summary
Low promiscuity may not always favor cooperation. Our inclusive fitness model suggests it can even select against helping by increasing competition among relatives, contrary to some empirical observations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- Empirical studies link low promiscuity to cooperative breeding and eusociality.
- Theoretical models suggest low promiscuity might disfavor cooperation, challenging inclusive fitness theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model selection for helping behavior in a structured population using an inclusive fitness approach.
- To investigate the influence of promiscuity levels on the evolution of cooperation.
Main Methods:
- Developed an inclusive fitness model for a patch-structured population with density dependence.
- Incorporated helping behavior that increases breeder survival.
- Validated model predictions with individual-based simulations.
Main Results:
- The model predicts promiscuity has no or a slightly positive influence on selection for helping.
- Low promiscuity increases competition among relatives, favoring dispersal over helping.
- Simulation results align with inclusive fitness predictions.
Conclusions:
- Inclusive fitness theory accurately predicts the influence of promiscuity on cooperation under specific conditions.
- The relationship between promiscuity and cooperation may depend on biological assumptions like benefits of helping and density dependence.
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