Models of reproductive skew: A review and synthesis (invited article)

Authors
Citation
Ra. Johnstone, Models of reproductive skew: A review and synthesis (invited article), ETHOLOGY, 106(1), 2000, pp. 5-26
Citations number
68
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences","Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ETHOLOGY
ISSN journal
0179-1613 → ACNP
Volume
106
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
5 - 26
Database
ISI
SICI code
0179-1613(200001)106:1<5:MORSAR>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
Animal societies vary markedly in reproductive skew, the extent to which br eeding is monopolised by dominant individuals. In the last few years, a lar ge number of different models have been developed to explain this variation . Here, I review existing models of reproductive skew, distinguishing betwe en two basic types. Transactional models focus on group stability and the c onstraints this places on the division of reproduction. Compromise models, by contrast, ignore issues of group stability and view the division of repr oduction as the outcome of a conflict in which each group member has a limi ted or partial ability to enforce its own optimum. I go on to show, however , that the division between transactional and compromise models is somewhat artificial, and that both approaches may be combined in a single, syntheti c treatment. Different models of reproductive skew are thus better seen as special cases of a general underlying theory, rather than alternative parad igms. I conclude with a brief discussion of the possibilities and problems of empirically testing this unified theory of skew, and the prospects for f uture theoretical advances.