Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits
We used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, where...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-10-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/10/2915 |
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| author | Wancai Xia Cyril C. Grueter Baoping Ren Dejun Zhang Xiaoxia Yuan Dayong Li |
| author_facet | Wancai Xia Cyril C. Grueter Baoping Ren Dejun Zhang Xiaoxia Yuan Dayong Li |
| author_sort | Wancai Xia |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | We used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, whereas the females’ reproductive success is unaffected by harem size. Males of larger harems groomed less and had higher RGRG than males of smaller harems. In the case of females, grooming given increased, and RGRG decreased with an increase in harem size. The males’ reproductive success seems to be a driver of harem size maximization. From the females’ perspective, dwindling social benefits appear to set the upper limit for harem enlargement. We also showed that males of monogamous units (‘single-female harems’) invested more into grooming their female, presumably to prevent unit disintegration and loss of mating privileges. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T06:46:00Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-25db6553237f45c491baadeb80b0ec9b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T06:46:00Z |
| publishDate | 2021-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-25db6553237f45c491baadeb80b0ec9b2023-11-22T17:11:11ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152021-10-011110291510.3390/ani11102915Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social BenefitsWancai Xia0Cyril C. Grueter1Baoping Ren2Dejun Zhang3Xiaoxia Yuan4Dayong Li5Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, ChinaSchool of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, AustraliaKey Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, ChinaSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, ChinaKey Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, ChinaWe used long-term data on the variation in harem size in Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys to research the effects of harem size on reproductive success and the ratio of grooming received to given (RGRG). The results suggest that harem holders derive reproductive benefits commensurate with harem size, whereas the females’ reproductive success is unaffected by harem size. Males of larger harems groomed less and had higher RGRG than males of smaller harems. In the case of females, grooming given increased, and RGRG decreased with an increase in harem size. The males’ reproductive success seems to be a driver of harem size maximization. From the females’ perspective, dwindling social benefits appear to set the upper limit for harem enlargement. We also showed that males of monogamous units (‘single-female harems’) invested more into grooming their female, presumably to prevent unit disintegration and loss of mating privileges.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/10/2915harem sizeone-male unitsnub-nosed monkeyreproductive successgrooming |
| spellingShingle | Wancai Xia Cyril C. Grueter Baoping Ren Dejun Zhang Xiaoxia Yuan Dayong Li Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits Animals harem size one-male unit snub-nosed monkey reproductive success grooming |
| title | Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits |
| title_full | Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits |
| title_fullStr | Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits |
| title_full_unstemmed | Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits |
| title_short | Determinants of Harem Size in a Polygynous Primate: Reproductive Success and Social Benefits |
| title_sort | determinants of harem size in a polygynous primate reproductive success and social benefits |
| topic | harem size one-male unit snub-nosed monkey reproductive success grooming |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/10/2915 |
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