Sexual behavior in the Northern Elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris.

摘要: The mating behavior of Northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, was studied during the I968, I969 and I970 breeding seasons at Ano Nuevo Island, I9 miles north Santa Cruz, California. Copulation takes place primarily on land, from January to March; it is initiated terminated by male lasts approximately 5 minutes. A few males do most higher a male's rank in social hierarchy, more frequently he copulates. Some bulls may maintain high participate for 3 seasons. Low ranking are kept out harem so they attempt copulate with females periphery or water departing females. Males prevent subordinates mounting disrupt copulations progress. rank, freedom has without interference, interferes copulation others. highest interrupt their own prematurely attack other them copulating. mount weaned pups, yearlings, non-estrous addition estrous females; latter mounted frequently. Females come into estrus 24 days after parturition. They receptive about (range I-I3 days), which several different times one males. usually when leave rookery return sea. greatest difference copulatory pattern seal, true members sea lion family, that former interfere while not. This due differing systems, hierarchy seals territorial system lions. In where interrupted, be incomplete. not as likely lions never interrupted because honor boundaries neighbors. differences female sexual physiology - long promiscuous period opposed brief only have evolved compensation consequences