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The Evolution of Mammalian Sociality by Sexual Selection

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The Evolution of Mammalian Sociality in an Ecological Perspective

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Ecology ((BRIEFSECOLOGY))

Abstract

This chapter addresses the evolution of mammalian sociality by sexual selection (“intrasexual” and “intersexual” selection), a topic directly related to the actions available to types maximizing “inclusive fitness.” As females are “energy-maximizers,” spatiotemporal distributions of females may entail significant (relative) fitness costs that males, “time-minimizers,” may not be in a position to afford. Energy-saving strategies are also indicated for female mammals due to their high “reproductive load” and vulnerability to the effects of offspring competition. Energy savings is a thermal regulatory process defining natural and sexual selection, maintaining usable heat within limits propitious to optimal functioning (maintenance, growth, survival, reproduction). Thus, female traits may drive the evolution of male traits. Studies using Drosophila melanogaster as subjects showed that “sexual conflict” arises because “promiscuity” is incompatible with mutual interests, a finding with direct import for the evolution of mammalian sociality since promiscuity may have been the initial state of tolerance from which mammalian sociality evolved, linking sexual selection to the evolution of sociosexual assemblages in the class.

Where populations have not evolved signals permitting interindividual proximity without a high likelihood of aggression, social evolution may be constrained.

Otte (1974)

By an action, I mean the behaviours that a receiver can use in order to alter the probability of interacting with particular signalers.

Proulx (2001)

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  1. Mammals and Phenogroups (MaPs), Asheville, North Carolina, USA

    Clara B. Jones

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© 2014 Clara B. Jones

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Jones, C. (2014). The Evolution of Mammalian Sociality by Sexual Selection. In: The Evolution of Mammalian Sociality in an Ecological Perspective. SpringerBriefs in Ecology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03931-2_8

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