Genetic Monogamy in Socially Monogamous Mammals Is Primarily Predicted by Multiple Life History Factors: A Meta-Analysis

摘要: Background We still do not understand the key drivers or prevalence of genetic monogamy in mammals despite amount attention that evolution mammalian has received. There have been numerous reviews hypotheses proposed to explain monogamy, some which focused on animals general, while others particular classes like birds mammals, specific orders within a class. Because is rare overall but relatively common it observed (e.g., Primates, Macroscelidea and Carnivora), provide unique taxon study maintenance However, term ‘monogamy’ encompasses related separate phenomena; i.e., social (pair-living by opposite-sex conspecifics) reproductive (mating exclusivity). A recent review reported 226 species (9%) 9 (35%) were socially monogamous, although monogamous are necessarily genetically monogamous. Methods Since factors predispose be subject debate, we conducted meta-analyses using model selection determine relative importance several life history, demographic environmental predicting monogamy. Results found sufficient data include 41 our analysis, about 2x more than included previous analyses living as part pair versus group was best predictor either itself combination with high levels paternal care. male-biased sex ratio low population density inversely number pairs production intra-pair young litters. Conclusion Our results agree suggest one factor may important driving mammals.