Aggression and sexual activity of male Southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina

摘要: The agonistic and sexual activity of individual male Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) was studied during the breeding season at South Georgia. Harem bulls were older larger than non-harem and, although size age are related, harem also same age. Large body conferred advantages in fighting relationships gave rise to a dominance hierarchy with access harems within harems, being determined by rank. Vocalizations most highly rank-related aggressive behaviours. common vocalization, roar, probably functioned both recognition assessment. Over 90% encounters high-ranked “walkovers” only 4% 4003 interactions nvolved physical contact.