Age-dependent change of coalitionary strategy in male Barbary macaques.

ABSTRACT: Inter- and intra-specific variation in the propensity to form coalitions has been explained by variation in the availability of suitable partners, distribution of fighting ability, coalition profitability, and costs of coordination. Male coalition formation can be an alternative reproductive strategy to one-on-one competition to maximize male reproductive success. Here we focus on age as a state variable to explain within-group variation in individual propensity to form coalitions against other group members. We specifically test the prediction that males conditionally switch from a solo strategy for achievement of high mating success to a cooperative strategy after reaching post-prime age in male Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). We combined new observations with data collected in 2006

SUBMITTER: Rathke EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7041515 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature