Long-term analysis on the variance of extra-group paternities in rhesus macaques.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Extra-group paternity (EGP) has been described in various mammalian species; however, little is known about which factors contribute to the variation in EGP, as the majority of studies were restricted in time and the number of groups considered. Using longitudinal demographic and genetic data, we aim to investigate which factors predict rates of EGP in the free-ranging rhesus macaque population of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico (USA). Of the 1649 infants considered which were born into six social groups over 9 years, we identified an average of 16% of infants resulting from EGPs. We tested the influence of group size, breeding group sex ratio, female reproductive synchrony, and group instability on the occurrence of EGPs. Our results suggest a tendency for EGPs to increase as

SUBMITTER: Ruiz-Lambides AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5355504 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature