Patterns and drivers of female extra-pair mating in wild Kalahari meerkats.

ABSTRACT: In many pair-living vertebrates, females commonly mate outside the pair bond, but when and why they do so is unclear. This behavior may stem from females seeking "good genes" or "compatible genes" from extra-pair mates superior to or less related than their partner. Variation in female ability to acquire extra-pair copulations, however, may also influence extra-pair paternity rates. We analyze 23 yr of parentage data to explore extra-pair paternity in wild Kalahari meerkats (Suricata suricatta), cooperative breeders where a single dominant pair monopolizes most reproduction in each group. When paired with a familiar breeding partner, females almost exclusively mate extra-pair to avoid inbreeding; however, even when paired with an unfamiliar male, extra-pair paternity still occurs. I

SUBMITTER: Herdtle A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11959362 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature