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Promiscuity and the evolutionary transition to complex societies

Author

Listed:
  • Charlie K. Cornwallis

    (Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford)

  • Stuart A. West

    (University of Oxford)

  • Katie E. Davis

    (The Natural History Museum)

  • Ashleigh S. Griffin

    (Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford)

Abstract

Cooperation versus promiscuity Why do individuals of some animal species live in cooperative social groups? An analysis across bird species indicates that whether or not a species is cooperative depends on the sex lives of females. Cooperation is more likely when promiscuity is low, when females mate with only a single male for instance, which means helpers can be more sure that they are helping relatives. Intermediate levels of promiscuity favour the ability to distinguish relatives from non-relatives, but at high levels of promiscuity, no form of cooperation is favoured.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlie K. Cornwallis & Stuart A. West & Katie E. Davis & Ashleigh S. Griffin, 2010. "Promiscuity and the evolutionary transition to complex societies," Nature, Nature, vol. 466(7309), pages 969-972, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:466:y:2010:i:7309:d:10.1038_nature09335
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09335
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    Cited by:

    1. Ashleigh S Griffin & Suzanne H Alonzo & Charlie K Cornwallis, 2013. "Why Do Cuckolded Males Provide Paternal Care?," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(3), pages 1-9, March.
    2. Nicholas M A Crouch & Roberta J Mason-Gamer, 2018. "Structural equation modeling as a tool to investigate correlates of extra-pair paternity in birds," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-14, February.
    3. Elspeth Kenny & Tim R. Birkhead & Jonathan P. Green, 2017. "Allopreening in birds is associated with parental cooperation over offspring care and stable pair bonds across years," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 28(4), pages 1142-1148.

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