scholarly journals Kin relationships in cultural species of the marine realm: case study of a matrilineal social group of sperm whales off Mauritius island, Indian Ocean

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Sarano ◽  
Justine Girardet ◽  
Véronique Sarano ◽  
Hugues Vitry ◽  
Axel Preud'homme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Social Unit ◽  
Mtdna Haplotype ◽  
Second Degree

Understanding the organization and dynamics of social groups of marine mammals through the study of kin relationships is particularly challenging . Here, we studied a stable social group of sperm whales off Mauritius, using underwater observations, individual-specific identification, non-invasive sampling and genetic analyses based on mitochondrial sequencing and microsatellite profiling. Twenty-four sperm whales were sampled between 2017 and 2019. All individuals except one adult female shared the same mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype—one that is rare in the western Indian Ocean—thus confirming with near certainty the matrilineality of the group. All probable first- and second-degree kin relationships were depicted in the sperm whale social group: 13 first-degree and 27 second-degree relationships were identified. Notably, we highlight the likely case of an unrelated female having been integrated into a social unit, in that she presented a distinct mtDNA haplotype and no close relationships with any members of the group. Investigating the possible matrilineality of sperm whale cultural units (i.e. vocal clans) is the next step in our research programme to elucidate and better apprehend the complex organization of sperm whale social groups.

scholarly journals Long distance runners in the marine realm: New insights into genetic diversity, kin relationships and social fidelity of Indian Ocean male sperm whales

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine Girardet ◽  
Francois Sarano ◽  
Gaëtan Richard ◽  
Paul Tixier ◽  
Christophe Guinet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Male Sperm ◽  
Marine Realm ◽  
The Indian Ocean

AbstractAdult male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are long distance runners of the marine realm, feeding in high latitudes and mating in tropical and subtropical waters where stable social groups of females and immatures live. Several areas of uncertainty still limit our understanding of their social and breeding behaviour, in particular concerning the potential existence of geographical and/or social fidelities.In this study, using underwater observation and sloughed-skin sampling, we looked for male social fidelity to a specific matrilineal sperm whale group near Mauritius. In addition, we captured a wider picture of kin relationships and genetic diversity of male sperm whales in the Indian Ocean thanks to biopsies of eight unique individuals taken in a feeding ground near the Kerguelen and Crozet Archipelagos (Southern Indian Ocean).Twenty-six adult male sperm whales, of which 13 were sampled, were identified when socializing with adult females and immatures off Mauritius. Long-term underwater observation recorded several noteworthy social interactions between adult males and adult females and/or immatures. We identified seven possible male recaptures over different years (three by direct observation, and four at the gametic level), which supports a certain level of male social fidelity. Several first- and second-degree kin relationships were highlighted between members of the social unit and adult males, confirming that some of the adult males observed in Mauritian waters are reproductive. Male social philopatry to their natal group can be excluded, as none of the males sampled shared the haplotype characteristic of the matrilineal social group. Mitochondrial DNA control region haplotype and nucleotide diversities calculated over the 21 total male sperm whales sampled were similar to values found by others in the Indian Ocean.Our study strongly supports the existence of some levels of male sperm whale social fidelity, not directed to their social group of birth, in the Indian Ocean. Males sampled in breeding and feeding grounds are linked by kin relationships. Our results support a model of male mediated gene flow occurring at the level of the whole Indian Ocean, likely interconnected with large-scale geographical fidelity to ocean basin, and a small-scale social fidelity to matrilineal social groups.

scholarly journals Calves as social hubs: dynamics of the social network within sperm whale units

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1763) ◽  
pp. 20131113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Gero ◽  
Jonathan Gordon ◽  
Hal Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Group Formation ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Group Living ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Physeter Macrocephalus ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Social Unit ◽  
The Social

It is hypothesized that the primary function of permanent social relationships among female sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus ) is to provide allomothers for calves at the surface while mothers make foraging dives. In order to investigate how reciprocity of allocare within units of sperm whales facilitates group living, we constructed weighted social networks based on yearly matrices of associations (2005–2010) and correlated them across years, through changes in age and social role, to study changes in social relationships within seven sperm whale units. Pairs of association matrices from sequential years showed a greater positive correlation than expected by chance, but as the time lag increased, the correlation coefficients decreased. Over all units considered, calves had high values for all measured network statistics, while mothers had intermediate values for most of the measures, but high values for connectedness and affinity. Mothers showed sharp drops in strength and connectedness in the first year of their new calves' lives. These broad patterns appear to be consistent across units. Calves appeared to be significant nodes in the network of the social unit, and thus provide quantitative support for the theory in which communal care acts as the evolutionary force behind group formation in this species.

Life after death: behaviour of multiple shark species scavenging a whale carcass

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 302 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. E. Lea ◽  
R. Daly ◽  
C. Leon ◽  
C. A. K. Daly ◽  
C. R. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Tiger Shark ◽  
Nurse Shark ◽  
Life After Death ◽  
Galeocerdo Cuvier ◽  
Carcharhinus Leucas ◽  
Bull Shark

A drone was used to study the richness and behaviour of scavengers attracted to the carcass of a sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus) in Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. Over 30 sharks of 3 species (tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier, bull shark Carcharhinus leucas and tawny nurse shark Nebrius ferrugineus) were recorded scavenging on the carcass. Tiger sharks dominated the scavenging, but with no evidence of agonistic behaviours or hierarchy, and may have facilitated scavenging by other species. Drone use allowed the analysis of such behaviours without observer influence, providing new insights into communal scavenging events.

Research, assessment and management on the Mascarene Plateau: a large marine ecosystem perspective

2005 ◽  
Vol 363 (1826) ◽  
pp. 295-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolph Payet
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Research Assessment ◽  
Marine Research ◽  
Geographical Society ◽  
Large Marine Ecosystem

Management of marine resources over the large ocean areas provides a great challenge, albeit one with hope for sustainable governance. Despite extensive studies in many of these large ocean areas, the interaction of physical and biological processes in large shallow mid–oceanic areas, such as the Mascarene Plateau in the Western Indian Ocean, is not yet well enough understood to influence management practices. The Mascarene Plateau arches across the Western Indian Ocean from the Seychelles down to Mauritius, with water depths up to 100 m. Such a large shallow mid–oceanic area supports a wide diversity of ecosystems with potential for exploitable resources. A recent marine research programme by the Royal Geographical Society of London led to the establishment of a research framework for long–term research and assessment of the Mascarene Plateau. This paper presents an extension to this approach, with a particular focus on the management, governance and socio–economics of this area.

scholarly journals Population genetics and social organization of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Azores inferred by microsatellite analyses

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (9) ◽  
pp. 802-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Pinela ◽  
S. Quérouil ◽  
S. Magalhães ◽  
M. A. Silva ◽  
R. Prieto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Structure ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Molecular Sexing ◽  
Physeter Macrocephalus ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Sibling Pairs

In the northeast Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago of the Azores is frequented by female–offspring groups of sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus L., 1758), as well as large males. The Azores apparently constitute both a feeding ground and a reproduction site. Little is known about the population and group structure of sperm whales in the area. We analysed 151 sloughed skin and biopsy samples collected from 2002 to 2004. Molecular analyses involved genetic tagging using 11 microsatellite loci and molecular sexing. Our objectives were to determine the population genetic structure, compare relatedness within and between social groups, infer kinship, and estimate the age of males at dispersal. Results suggest that individuals visiting the archipelago of the Azores belong to a single population. High genetic diversity and absence of inbreeding suggest that the population is recovering from whaling. Individuals sampled in close association are highly related, as well as those observed in the same area on the same day, suggesting that secondary social groups (i.e., the union of primary social units) are largely but not exclusively composed of relatives. Probable mother–offspring and full-sibling pairs were identified. Age of males at dispersal was estimated at 16.6 years, which was well above previous estimates for this species.

scholarly journals Kinship influences sperm whale social organization within, but generally not among, social units

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 180914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Konrad ◽  
Shane Gero ◽  
Timothy Frasier ◽  
Hal Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Whale ◽  
Sperm Whales ◽  
Degree Relative ◽  
Social Unit ◽  
Control Region Sequences ◽  
Related Pair ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Association Data ◽  
Social Units

Sperm whales have a multi-level social structure based upon long-term, cooperative social units. What role kinship plays in structuring this society is poorly understood. We combined extensive association data (518 days, during 2005–2016) and genetic data (18 microsatellites and 346 bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences) for 65 individuals from 12 social units from the Eastern Caribbean to examine patterns of kinship and social behaviour. Social units were clearly matrilineally based, evidenced by greater relatedness within social units (mean r = 0.14) than between them (mean r = 0.00) and uniform mtDNA haplotypes within social units. Additionally, most individuals (82.5%) had a first-degree relative in their social unit, while we found no first-degree relatives between social units. Generally and within social units, individuals associated more with their closer relatives (matrix correlations: 0.18–0.25). However, excepting a highly related pair of social units that merged over the study period, associations between social units were not correlated with kinship ( p > 0.1). These results are the first to robustly demonstrate kinship's contribution to social unit composition and association preferences, though they also reveal variability in association preferences that is unexplained by kinship. Comparisons with other matrilineal species highlight the range of possible matrilineal societies and how they can vary between and even within species.

Editorial Introduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Editors of the JIOWS
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Late Nineteenth Century ◽  
Fourth Volume ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
Indian Ocean World ◽  
Shed Light

The editors are proud to present the first issue of the fourth volume of the Journal of Indian Ocean World Studies. This issue contains three articles, by James Francis Warren (Murdoch University), Kelsey McFaul (University of California, Santa Cruz), and Marek Pawelczak (University of Warsaw), respectively. Warren’s and McFaul’s articles take different approaches to the growing body of work that discusses pirates in the Indian Ocean World, past and present. Warren’s article is historical, exploring the life and times of Julano Taupan in the nineteenth-century Philippines. He invites us to question the meaning of the word ‘pirate’ and the several ways in which Taupan’s life has been interpreted by different European colonists and by anti-colonial movements from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. McFaul’s article, meanwhile, takes a literary approach to discuss the much more recent phenomenon of Somali Piracy, which reached its apex in the last decade. Its contribution is to analyse the works of authors based in the region, challenging paradigms that have mostly been developed from analysis of works written in the West. Finally, Pawelczak’s article is a legal history of British jurisdiction in mid-late nineteenth-century Zanzibar. It examines one of the facets that underpinned European influence in the western Indian Ocean World before the establishment of colonial rule. In sum, this issue uses two key threads to shed light on the complex relationships between European and other Western powers and the Indian Ocean World.

scholarly journals Factors influencing microbial mat composition, distribution and dinitrogen fixation in three western Indian Ocean coral reefs

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loïc Charpy ◽  
Katarzyna A. Palinska ◽  
Raeid M. M. Abed ◽  
Marie José Langlade ◽  
Stjepko Golubic
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Dinitrogen Fixation ◽  
Microbial Mat ◽  
Composition Distribution ◽  
Factors Influencing

scholarly journals Movement ecology of black marlin Istiompax indica in the Western Indian Ocean

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph A. Rohner ◽  
Roy Bealey ◽  
Bernerd M. Fulanda ◽  
Jason D. Everett ◽  
Anthony J. Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Western Indian Ocean

Towards a computational theory of social groups: A finite set of cognitive primitives for representing any and all social groups in the context of conflict

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-62
Author(s):  
David Pietraszewski
Keyword(s):  
Social Group ◽  
Group Representation ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Computational Theory ◽  
Mistaken Belief ◽  
Finite Set ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract We don't yet have adequate theories of what the human mind is representing when it represents a social group. Worse still, many people think we do. This mistaken belief is a consequence of the state of play: Until now, researchers have relied on their own intuitions to link up the concept social group on the one hand, and the results of particular studies or models on the other. While necessary, this reliance on intuition has been purchased at considerable cost. When looked at soberly, existing theories of social groups are either (i) literal, but not remotely adequate (such as models built atop economic games), or (ii) simply metaphorical (typically a subsumption or containment metaphor). Intuition is filling in the gaps of an explicit theory. This paper presents a computational theory of what, literally, a group representation is in the context of conflict: it is the assignment of agents to specific roles within a small number of triadic interaction types. This “mental definition” of a group paves the way for a computational theory of social groups—in that it provides a theory of what exactly the information-processing problem of representing and reasoning about a group is. For psychologists, this paper offers a different way to conceptualize and study groups, and suggests that a non-tautological definition of a social group is possible. For cognitive scientists, this paper provides a computational benchmark against which natural and artificial intelligences can be held.

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