The evolution of infanticide by females in mammals

摘要: In most mammalian species, females regularly interact with kin, and it may thus be difficult to understand the evolution of some aggressive harmful competitive behaviour among females, such as infanticide. Here, we investigate evolutionary determinants infanticide by combining a quantitative analysis taxonomic distribution qualitative synthesis circumstances infanticidal attacks in published reports. Our results show that female is widespread across mammals varies relation social organization life-history, being more frequent where breed group invest much energy into reproduction. Specifically, occurs proximity conspecific offspring directly threatens killer9s reproductive success limiting access critical resources for her dependent progeny, including food, shelters, care or position. contrast, not immediately modulated degree kinship occasionally sacrifice related juveniles. findings suggest potential direct fitness rewards gaining have stronger influence on expression aggression than indirect costs competing against kin.