scholarly journals Multiple reproductive females in family groups of smooth-coated otters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haaken Zhong Bungum ◽  
Mei-Mei Heng Yee Tan ◽  
Atul Borker ◽  
Chia Da Hsu ◽  
Philip Johns
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Mating Pair ◽  
Reproductive Female ◽  
Single Mating ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Family Groups

Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) are inhabitants of the waterways of India and Singapore. Otter families typically consist of a single mating pair with mature, nonbreeding siblings living in family groups, or "romps". We note here the presence of multiple reproductive female otters within some romps, as well as the possible existence of simultaneous litters by different mothers. This phenomenon has not been recorded among L. perspicillata before. Here we address possible influences leading to multiple reproductive females within romps of smooth-coated otters, including inclusive fitness, incomplete suppression of reproduction, and existing in an urban environment. The numerous, recurring observations of multiple reproductive females warrant further investigation; while uncommon, this phenomenon is not as rare as once thought.

scholarly journals Genetic consequences of a century of protection: serial founder events and survival of the little spotted kiwi ( Apteryx owenii )

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1762) ◽  
pp. 20130576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina M. Ramstad ◽  
Rogan M. Colbourne ◽  
Hugh A. Robertson ◽  
Fred W. Allendorf ◽  
Charles H. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Long Island ◽  
Genetic Bottleneck ◽  
Island Population ◽  
Mating Pair ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Census Size ◽  
Single Mating ◽  
Genetic Bottlenecks ◽  
Founder Events

We present the outcome of a century of post-bottleneck isolation of a long-lived species, the little spotted kiwi ( Apteryx owenii , LSK) and demonstrate that profound genetic consequences can result from protecting few individuals in isolation. LSK were saved from extinction by translocation of five birds from South Island, New Zealand to Kapiti Island 100 years ago. The Kapiti population now numbers some 1200 birds and provides founders for new populations. We used 15 microsatellite loci to compare genetic variation among Kapiti LSK and the populations of Red Mercury, Tiritiri Matangi and Long Islands that were founded with birds from Kapiti. Two LSK native to D'Urville Island were also placed on Long Island. We found extremely low genetic variation and signatures of acute and recent genetic bottleneck effects in all four populations, indicating that LSK have survived multiple genetic bottlenecks. The Long Island population appears to have arisen from a single mating pair from Kapiti, suggesting there is no genetic contribution from D'Urville birds among extant LSK. The N e / N C ratio of Kapiti Island LSK (0.03) is exceptionally low for terrestrial vertebrates and suggests that genetic diversity might still be eroding in this population, despite its large census size.

Band Structure and Failures of Reproductive Suppression in a Cooperatively Breeding Carnivore, the Slender-Tailed Meerkat (Suricata Suricatta)

Behaviour ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 134 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 827-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Macdonald ◽  
Sean P. Doolan
Keyword(s):  
Band Structure ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
High Turnover ◽  
Reproductive Suppression ◽  
Suricata Suricatta ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Reproductive Female ◽  
Band Size ◽  
Cooperatively Breeding ◽  
Reproductive Females

AbstractThe extent to which band structure influences the distribution of breeding activity is unknown for the slender-tailed meerkat Suricata suricatta, a cooperatively breeding mongoose. Here we present the residence histories of three focal bands monitored over ten band-years in the southwestern Kalahari, with less detailed data derived from non-focal bands for a further 20 band-years. Mean total band size early in the breeding season was 10, and mean size excluding juveniles was 6.7. Despite a tendency towards females among juveniles, and males among yearlings and adults, sex ratios within each age class did not significantly deviate from unity, but at the population level there were significantly more adult males than reproductive females. A large proportion (71.6%) of adult females bred, and failures of reproductive suppression occurred in 40% of band years. This incidence was high in all years and was not obviously related to environmental conditions. Bands with more than one reproductive female contained significantly more adults and adult females than bands with only a single reproductive female. There was a strong correlation between numbers of reproductive females and numbers of adult females in a band. Most (68%) subordinate females which bred were aged three years or more. Reproductive competition was strong and there was a negative correlation between numbers of adult females, breeding females or adult males and per capita juvenile production. Meerkat bands are unusual among cooperative breeders because many individuals were non-kin and the relative constancy in band size within and between years masked a high turnover of membership: all animals of known origin aged three years or older, were immigrants, although philopatry was commoner among younger animals. Our data show that meerkats employ a range of reproductive strategies: bands exhibiting a spectrum of reproductive suppression coexist, and individuals respond to the opportunities afforded by their social environments.

Reproductive female round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) are attracted to visual male models at a nest rather than to olfactory stimuli in urine of reproductive males

Behaviour ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stan Yavno ◽  
Lynda Corkum
Keyword(s):  
Round Goby ◽  
Neogobius Melanostomus ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Invasive Fish ◽  
Reproductive Female ◽  
Olfactory Stimuli ◽  
Reproductive Male ◽  
Round Gobies ◽  
Male Model ◽  
Reproductive Females

AbstractFish are known to communicate in many ways and commonly use olfactory and visual signals. When round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) males become reproductive, they change from mottled grey to black and release sex steroids in their urine. In this study, we conducted a laboratory experiment to determine if reproductive female round gobies were attracted to a combination of olfactory (urine) and visual (silicone models) stimuli, representing reproductive and non-reproductive male round gobies. Females spent significantly more time at a nest with a black reproductive male model compared with a mottled non-reproductive male model. Neither urine type nor the interaction between model type and urine affected the time spent by reproductive females at a nest. Knowledge of the reproductive habits of the round goby may enable researchers to develop a method of species control for this invasive fish by manipulating its breeding habits.

scholarly journals Inclusive Fitness of Male and Facultatively Social Female Nesting Behavior in the Socially Polymorphic Bee, Ceratina australensis (Hymenoptera: Xylocopinae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L Oppenheimer ◽  
Sandra M Rehan
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Relative Fitness ◽  
Natal Nest ◽  
Carpenter Bee ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Indirect Fitness ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Mating Biology

Abstract Male hymenopterans do not typically provide help with nest construction or maintenance. This is thought to be due to the decreased relatedness of males to their siblings compared to sisters, and selection for outbreeding resulting in male dispersal from natal nesting sites. However, some instances of male ‘helping’ behaviors have been observed and can usually be explained by increased access to mating with resident females. Here we report on the first observations of cohabiting males within the nests of reproductive females of the facultatively social small carpenter bee, Ceratina australensis. Social nesting in C. australensis occurs at a consistently low rate across populations. We used microsatellites markers to determine relatedness, combined with 3 yr of nest demographic data collected across three populations, to assess the relative fitness of reproductive, nonreproductive, and male individuals cohabiting in reproductive nests. We found that males were brothers of reproductive females, both remaining in their natal nest. However, there was no evidence that they were mating with their sisters across all nests observed. Males in reproductive nests did not gain any direct or indirect fitness benefits as they did not sire any brood and their presence did not increase brood productivity or survivorship. It is possible that males were waiting to mate with nieces who had not yet emerged. Why males were tolerated remains unknown. Mating biology is an important consideration in social theory which requires additional empirical studies. Future long-term studies are needed to capture unusual social behaviors including male nesting behaviors.

Morphological variation in Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976 (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1007-1011
Author(s):  
J. Curran
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Mating Pair ◽  
Species Diagnosis ◽  
Reliable Diagnosis ◽  
Single Mating

The morphological characters lateral chord structure, head, tail, vagina and spicule shape, which are those most frequently used in the diagnosis of mermithid species, were highly variable within the progeny of a single mating pair of Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976. In the light of this variability the usefulness of these characters in species diagnosis is discussed and it is concluded that a series of specimens at various developmental stages are required for reliable diagnosis.

scholarly journals Mortality rate acceleration and post-reproductive lifespan in matrilineal whale species

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D Foote
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Killer Whale ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Pilot Whale ◽  
Individual Fitness ◽  
Reproductive Female ◽  
Rate Acceleration ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Female Lifespan

The strength of selection to increase the span of a life stage is dependent upon individuals at that stage being able to contribute towards individual fitness and the probability of their surviving to that stage. Complete reproductive cessation and a long post-reproductive female lifespan as found in humans are also found in killer whale ( Orcinus orca ) and short-finned pilot whale ( Globicephala macrorhynchus ), but not in the long-finned pilot whale ( Globicephala melaena ). Each species forms kin-based, stable matrilineal groups and exhibits kin-directed behaviours that could increase inclusive fitness. Here, the initial mortality rate and mortality rate-doubling time of females of these three closely related whale species are compared. The initial mortality rate shows little variation among pilot whale species; however mortality rate accelerates almost twice as fast in the long-finned pilot whale as it does in killer whale and short-finned pilot whale. Selection for a long post-reproductive female lifespan in matrilineal whales may therefore be determined by the proportion of females surviving past the point of reproductive cessation.

scholarly journals Multiple breeders, breeder shifts and inclusive fitness returns in an ant

2007 ◽  
Vol 274 (1617) ◽  
pp. 1547-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Bargum ◽  
Liselotte Sundström
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Social Insects ◽  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Genetic Population ◽  
Population Analyses ◽  
Formica Fusca ◽  
Worker Brood ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Reproductive Brood

In social insects, colonies may contain multiple reproductively active queens. This leads to potential conflicts over the apportionment of brood maternity, especially with respect to the production of reproductive offspring. We investigated reproductive partitioning in offspring females (gynes) and workers in the ant Formica fusca , and combined this information with data on the genetic returns gained by workers. Our results provide the first evidence that differential reproductive partitioning among breeders can enhance the inclusive fitness returns for sterile individuals that tend non-descendant offspring. Two aspects of reproductive partitioning contribute to this outcome. First, significantly fewer mother queens contribute to gyne (new reproductive females) than to worker brood, such that relatedness increases from worker to gyne brood. Second, and more importantly, adult workers were significantly more related to the reproductive brood raised by the colony, than to the contemporary worker brood. Thus, the observed breeder shift leads to genetic benefits for the adult workers that tend the brood. Our results also have repercussions for genetic population analyses. Given the observed pattern of reproductive partitioning, estimates of effective population size based on worker and gyne samples are not interchangeable.

Morphometrics of Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976 (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (12) ◽  
pp. 2365-2374 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Curran
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Host Species ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Mating Pair ◽  
Species Diagnosis ◽  
Single Mating

Intraspecific variability and the influence of environmental factors on the morphometrics of Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and Smith, 1976 were determined by rearing the progeny of a single mating pair under different parasite intensities, host species, and temperatures. Individual measurements were frequently affected by environment and discriminant analysis revealed differences in overall shape between sibling populations. These effects were not constant within or between sexes. The growth relationships between measurements were examined and because of allometry a number of ratios commonly used in mermithid taxonomy at the species level were rejected. This led to an evaluation of morphometrics in species diagnosis.

scholarly journals Relationship Between the Social Structure and Potential Reproductive Success in Muroid Rodents (Rodentia, Myomorpha)

2020 ◽  
pp. 15-30
Author(s):  
V. S. Gromov
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Inclusive Fitness ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Family Group ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
The Family ◽  
Muroid Rodents ◽  
Family Groups

In many systematic groups of mammalian species, the evolution of sociality leads to the formation of large social groups (group-size evolution). In rodents, however, the most social species live in family groups consisting, as a rule, of not numerous individuals. The family-group lifestyle of some ground-dwelling sciurids (Sciuridae) and voles (Microtus) results in fewer breeding adult females, a decreased litter size, and a longer time till first reproduction. Statistical analysis of published data has been conducted in the present study and has shown that transition to the family-group lifestyle leads to a decreased potential reproductive success in many muroid rodents: females produce fewer litters and, consequently, fewer pups during the reproduction season. However, the potential reproductive success in muroid rodents with a family-group lifestyle could be increased due to delayed offspring dispersal (who spend the severe winter period in family groups) and extensive cooperation in foraging, defending their territory and food stores, as well as in care-giving activities. One can suggest that females of these species produce fewer offspring, but of “better quality”. Ultimately, social rodent species may gain inclusive fitness benefits because of the higher fitness of their offspring as compared to solitary dwellers and gregarious species.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document