Mating strategies in dominant meerkats: evidence for extra-pair paternity in relation to genetic relatedness between pair mates

摘要: Rates of extra-pair paternity (EPP) have frequently been associated with genetic relatedness between social mates in socially monogamous birds. However, evidence is limited mammals. Here, we investigate whether dominant females use divorce or as a strategy to avoid the negative effects inbreeding when paired related male meerkats Suricata suricatta, species where depression evident for several traits. We show that breeding pairs seldom divorce, but rates EPP are similarity mates. Although males no more distantly female than males, they heterozygous. Nevertheless, pups not heterozygous within-pair pups. Whether benefit from terms increased fitness offspring, such enhanced survival growth, requires further investigations.