Alternative reproductive tactics in female striped mice: heavier females are more likely to breed solitarily than communally.

摘要: Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) are discrete phenotypes governed by decision rules called strategies. ARTs fixed for life in species with alternative strategies, while tactic expression is plastic a single strategy. have been investigated males of many species, but few studies tested whether the same theoretical framework applies females. Female striped mice (Rhabdomys pumilio) employ three ARTs: communal breeders give birth nest shared female kin and breeding male show allo-parental care; returners away from later return to it; solitary do not group. Here, studying free-living over six seasons, we arise strategies or We also asked what extent stochastic extrinsic factors explain individuals become rather than group living. Females switched tactics, consistent strategy, so this represented mixed conditional Only latter predicts differences between traits indicating competitive ability, such as body mass age, before adopt tactic. weighed females at conception when they were still living eliminate potential confounding effects gestation subsequent social (solitary versus living) on mass. that went use ART heavier those became returners, support Solitary arose through (mortality all adult members). They less relatives alive, did differ returners. conclude theory both sexes, following Future should consider possibility superficially resemble evolved might non-adaptive causes.