Sexual segregation in marine fish, reptiles, birds and mammals behaviour patterns, mechanisms and conservation implications.

摘要: Sexual segregation occurs when members of a species separate such that the sexes live apart, either singly or in single-sex groups. It can be broadly categorised into two types: habitat and social segregation. is behavioural phenomenon widespread animal kingdom yet underlying causes remain poorly understood. has been widely studied among terrestrial mammals as ungulates, but it less well documented marine environment. This chapter clarifies terms concepts which have emerged from investigation sexual ecology examines how similar methodological approach may complicated by differences species. Here we discuss patterns fish, reptile, bird mammal Five hypotheses forwarded to account for segregation, largely emerging ungulates: predation risk, forage selection, activity budget, thermal niche-fecundity factors hypotheses. These mechanisms are reviewed following careful assessment their applicability vertebrate case studies vertebrates support each mechanism recounted. Rigorous testing all lacking both literature those analyses attempted often confounded body-size dimorphism. In this context, indicate value studying model monomorphic with respect body size possible We also why important understand example, illustrating differential exploitation humans lead population decline.