Phenotypic correlates of male reproductive success in western gorillas.

摘要: Sexual selection is thought to drive the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits that increase male reproductive success. Despite a large degree sexual dimorphism among haplorhine primates, phenotypic may influence success males are largely unstudied due long life spans and difficulties in quantifying such non-invasively. Here we employ digital photogrammetry body length crest size, as well ranking gluteal muscle test whether these associated with long-term measures western gorillas. Among 19 adult gorillas monitored for up 12.5 years, found all three were positively correlated average number mates per male, but only size significantly offspring survival annual rate siring survive weaning age. We discuss why might be under ongoing other species.