Intraseasonal Variation in Reproductive Effort: Young Males Finish Last

摘要: AbstractAge-dependent reproductive timing has been observed in females of a number species; older often breed earlier the season and experience higher success as result. However, to date, evidence for within-season variation effort (RE) males relatively weak. Males are expected time RE light intraseasonal variations availability receptive competition with other males. Young males, which typically smaller less experienced, might benefit from breeding later season, when male-male is intense. Using long-term data set Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, we sought evaluate hypothesis that younger allocate highest late at male decreased substantially. Our results support this hypothesis, suggests may be an adaptive life-history trait well females.