Coalitions, cooperation and reproductive tactics among adult male baboons

摘要: Male savanna baboons, Papio cynocephalus, form coalitions with each other as a technique for gaining access to female in consort another male. Reciprocal altruism has been invoked the primary mechanism which underlies this reproductive tactic, but 19-month field study of behaviour olive P. c. anubis, Kenya contradicted interpretation. Males who solicited others coalition formation were not more likely gain females than their fellow members. refused participate at one time still sought partners times by same Coalitions generally formed older, middle- lower-ranking males and targeted younger, higher-ranking males. are low risk tactic benefits partitioned according initiator/joiner status. be an outcome cooperation between results from pursuit self-interest.