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Individual variation and the source-sink group dynamics of extra-group paternity in a social mammal

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  • Paula H Marjamäki
  • Hannah L Dugdale
  • Deborah A Dawson
  • Robbie A McDonald
  • Richard Delahay
  • Terry Burke
  • Alastair J Wilson

Abstract

Movement of individuals, or their genes, can influence eco-evolutionary processes in structured populations. We have limited understanding of the extent to which spatial behavior varies among groups and individuals within populations. Here, we use genetic pedigree reconstruction in a long-term study of European badgers (Meles meles) to characterize the extent of extra-group paternity, occurring as a consequence of breeding excursions, and to test hypothesized drivers of variation at multiple levels. We jointly estimate parentage and paternity distance (PD; distance between a cub’s natal and its father’s social group), and test whether population density and sex ratio influence mean annual PD. We also model cub-level PD and extra-group paternity (EGP) to test for variation among social groups and parental individuals. Mean PD varied among years but was not explained by population density or sex ratio. However, cub-level analysis shows strong effects of social group, and parental identities, with some parental individuals being consistently more likely to produce cubs with extra-group partners. Group effects were partially explained by local sex ratio. There was also a strong negative correlation between maternal and paternal social group effects on cub paternity distance, indicating source-sink dynamics. Our analyses of paternity distance and EGP indicate variation in extra-group mating at multiple levels—among years, social groups and individuals. The latter in particular is a phenomenon seldom documented and suggests that gene flow among groups may be disproportionately mediated by a nonrandom subset of adults, emphasizing the importance of the individual in driving eco-evolutionary dynamics. Variation in breeding behavior exists at multiple levels. Based on indirect observations from a genetic pedigree, we found that individual badgers show consistent differences in their tendency to mate with the members of other groups and the distance they travelled to breed. Social groups also differ from each other, with some acting as sinks, both attracting and retaining genes. Average distance travelled also varied annually, but not because of changes in population density or sex ratio.

Suggested Citation

  • Paula H Marjamäki & Hannah L Dugdale & Deborah A Dawson & Robbie A McDonald & Richard Delahay & Terry Burke & Alastair J Wilson, 2019. "Individual variation and the source-sink group dynamics of extra-group paternity in a social mammal," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 30(2), pages 301-312.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:30:y:2019:i:2:p:301-312.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Korsten & Thijs van Overveld & Frank Adriaensen & Erik Matthysen, 2013. "Genetic integration of local dispersal and exploratory behaviour in a wild bird," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, December.
    2. Svein Dale & Anne Lunde & Øyvind Steifetten, 2005. "Longer breeding dispersal than natal dispersal in the ortolan bunting," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 16(1), pages 20-24, January.
    3. Philip M. Harrison & Lee Frank Gordon Gutowsky & Eduardo G. Martins & David A. Patterson & Steven J. Cooke & Michael Power, 2015. "Personality-dependent spatial ecology occurs independently from dispersal in wild burbot (Lota lota)," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 26(2), pages 483-492.
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