Reduced fitness of secondary females in a polygynous species: a 32-yr study of Savannah sparrows.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of mating systems reflects a balance of the often-conflicting interests of males and females. Polygyny, a mating system in which males have multiple mates, presents a fitness benefit to males, but the consequences for females are less clear. Females with polygynous social mates may suffer reduced fitness, especially secondary females who typically receive less male support. We used 32 yr of detailed reproductive data on a population of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) breeding on Kent Island, NB, Canada, to investigate the effects of females' social mating status on 6 indices of female fitness: survival, clutch size, fledging success, number of fledglings produced per nest and annually, and recruitment of offspring. Secondary females produced fewer fledgli

SUBMITTER: Mueller SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11631185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature