Being on time: size-dependent attendance patterns affect male reproductive success

摘要: When reproduction occurs seasonally, males are expected to concentrate their reproductive effort when the abundance of females in oestrus is highest. In colonial species, large body size and prior residency correlate with ability establish dominance ultimately achieve matings. However, addition dominance, attendance proximity may also enhance male mating success. If come into highly asynchronously, unable attend for entire breeding season. We expect most competitive increase availability receptive while less primarily colonies more rare. Galapagos sea lions, Zalophus wollebaeki, defend semiaquatic territories, but hold these over They sighted often during peak this study, we found that nonterritorial frequented colony time. percentage days intermediate-sized resident were increased towards Reproductive success was positively correlated therefore highest among territorial males. correlation between existed This suggests lions adjust situation colony. By increasing female oestrus, chance reproducing successfully. adopting size-dependent strategies, able fitness still growing.