Unexpected high fitness payoff of subordinate social tactics in male collared lizards

摘要: Sexual selection theory often predicts that dominant males will sire more offspring than displaying subordinate social tactics. We combined the records of space use by collared lizard, Crotaphytus collaris, females and spatial behaviour two markedly different tactics (territorial nonterritorial) with genetic determination parentage to test how variation in male influences distribution reproductive success. In marked contrast predictions based on their behaviour, territorial did not monopolize paternity they defended, average, nonterritorial obtained success equal males, both within among successive clutches. When all were analysed together, none traits are hypothesized promote fitness other lizards under strong sexual lizard males. Among territory owners alone, however, there was positive directional body size. Both unexpected exceptionally high levels multiple appear linked part features habitat at our study site diminish ecological potential for mating opportunities reside defended areas. If female derive any benefits it is likely these rather material.