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The evolution and control of reproductive skew in eusocial mammals

ReferenceS05970
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Timothy Clutton-Brock
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of Cambridge
DepartmentZoology
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 212,340
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/09/1996
End date 31/08/1999
Duration36 months

Abstract

In some animals that breed cooperatively, reproduction is monopolised by a dominant female and a dominant male (high skew) while, in others, the majority of adult group members breed (low skew). Recent theory suggests that dominants should only tolerate reproduction by subordinates where it is in their interests to do so because subordinates will otherwise leave the group or fight for control. Using established study populations of suricates (eusocial mongooses offering unique advantages for detailed research in this field) the project will test theories of adaptive skew and will investigate the control of reproductive suppression among social mongooses.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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