Competitive Ability in Male House Mice (Mus musculus): Genetic Influences

摘要: Conspecifics of many animal species physically compete to gain reproductive resources and thus fitness. Despite the importance competitive ability across kingdom, specific traits that influence or underpin are poorly characterized. Here, we investigate whether there genetic influences on within male house mice. Additionally, examined if litter demographics (litter size sex ratio) ability. We phenotyped two generations for a male’s possess resource––a prime nesting site––using semi-natural enclosures with mixed groupings. used “Animal Model” coupled an extensive pedigree estimate several parameters. Competitive was found be highly heritable, but only displayed moderate correlation body mass. Interestingly, ratio had weak negative Litter no significant Our study also highlights how much remains unknown about proximal causes