Size and stability of vertebrate leks
Article Abstract:
There is growing evidence that individual differences in competitive ability and anticipated benefits fuel male clustering and the evolution of lekking. Research in this area has extended an existing model of optimal lek size that incorporates female mating preferences and male-male contest competition. A number of empirical predictions can be made from the general view that ability to monopolize matings determines lek size. These include the fact that well-established dominance hierarchies should permit larger leks.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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Measuring sexual selection
Article Abstract:
The degree of skew for measuring variations in sexual selection on mating arenas (leks) can be problematic if generalized between species because the connection between skew and lek size does not cross species. However, as a measure of relative not absolute differences between males, the skew index can have some value. Intraspecific tests may be more valuable for measuring the accuracy of the skew index but there is not enough data available.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Lek size, male mating skew and the evolution of lekking
Article Abstract:
Variations in the male mating skew with respect to lek size are explained by a newly-developed distribution model. Leks are mating groups which differ in female encounter rate. The model reveals that clustering is beneficial for all the males and that low-ranking males derive profit more from a large level of groupings. Optimal lek sizes are exhibited by high-ranking males, and low-ranking males have less lek sizes.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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