Social Factors in Adult Reproduction in Experimental Populations

Abstract

The effects of density and thus of social factors on reproduction in mammals have been investigated experimentally by three types of technique. The first is to release into a very large cage or population pen a small number of animals and to document the resultant changes in numbers and the effect of these changes on reproduction. The second is to combine groups of animals together into very small cages and to document the resultant changes in reproduction. The third is to attempt to remove a certain age or sex from a wild population and to see the effects of this treatment. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and limitations, but in combination they should allow for considerable information as to the role of social factors and density on mammals. Unfortunately, as will become apparent, practically all the research that has been done is concentrated on only two species, both dependent on human activities for a major part of their environmental requirements.