作者: Per J. PALSBØLL , Phillip J. Clapham , David K. Mattila , Oswaldo Vasquez
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摘要: It has been hypothesized that humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, competitive groups represent intrasexual competition by males for access to a mature female. The composition and dynamics of these was studied between 1989 1991 in Samana Bay, West Indies. sex group participants determined molecular analysis skin biopsies. Groups showed similar characteristics size movement as those described from other breeding areas, except only one contained calf. 141 44 groups. In 21 groups, we were able biopsy all participants. No more than female, but seven the wholly sampled (all them small) consisted entirely males. Of 22 animals who ''positively'' assigned role Nuclear Animal, 17 five male. Similarly, 24 biopsied Principal Escorts, 23 male All Challengers 55 either classified Secondary Escort, or whose could not be categorized, 51 four 8 cases, associated pairs exhibiting no aggression towards each observed enter leave together. 16 individuals resighted on day, These data suggest that: 1. While most (as predicted) male-male single observers should cautious their assumptions; 2. All-male may dominance sorting unfamiliar conspecifics; 3. Females occasionally aggressively repel advances unwanted males; 4. unlikely light present knowledge, possibility form coalitions cannot dismissed. We asymmetrical contests which female Animal is value Escort Challenger, particularly if former's defence her represents mate-guarding.