A model for the adaptive significance of partial reproductive synchrony within social units

摘要: Synchronized breeding in social units of animals (like colonies and herds) is often interpreted as a strategy against predators (predator satiation), one might expect to find little variation the relative date starting reproduction. However, data on many or herds show only partial synchrony. Our hypothesis that this not simply unavoidable variance but may be an adaption predators. We consider case where members unit can avoid predation actively by cooperation. If contribution predator avoidance different for individuals engaged phases reproduction, our model shows synchrony adaptive significance. Data black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) are used test model's predictions.