A model on female breeding dispersion and the reproductive systems of pinnipeds.

摘要: Because most mammalian mating systems ultimately depend on female dispersion, the study of habitat selection by breeding females will help in understanding ecology systems. I developed a cost-benefit model dispersion that is based concept 'ideal free' distribution. The currency probability offspring survival. cost grouping increment female-female competition for resources, and benefit reduction male harassment. maximal depends resource quality sites. tested qualitative predictions system pinnipeds. predicted main differences observed between taxonomic groups pinnipeds: higher aggregation polygyny Otariidae than Phocidae, Otariinae Arctocephalinae, Mirounga spp. Halichoerus sp. rest phocids. My approach emphasises importance harassment evolution propose classical view unidirectional to (resource dispersion-->female dispersion-->male dispersion), should be modified incorporate feedback from factors regulate dispersion.