Relationship between the Social Structure and Potential Reproductive Success in Muroid Rodents (Rodentia, Myomorpha)

In many systematic groups of mammalian species, the evolution of sociality leads to the formation of large social groups (group-size evolution). In rodents, however, the most social species live in family groups consisting, as a rule, of a fairly small number of individuals. The family-group lifesty...

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Veröffentlicht in:Biology bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences 2021-12, Vol.48 (10), p.1740-1746
1. Verfasser: Gromov, V. S.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:In many systematic groups of mammalian species, the evolution of sociality leads to the formation of large social groups (group-size evolution). In rodents, however, the most social species live in family groups consisting, as a rule, of a fairly small number of individuals. The family-group lifestyle of some terrestrial sciurids (Sciuridae) and voles ( Microtus ) results in fewer breeding adult females, a decreased litter size, and a longer time before the first reproduction. Statistical analysis of published data performed in this study showed that the transition to the family-group lifestyle leads to decreased potential reproductive success in many muroid rodents: females produce fewer litters and, consequently, fewer pups during the breeding season. However, the potential reproductive success in muroid rodents with a family-group lifestyle could be increased due to delayed offspring dispersal (who spend the severe winter period in family groups) and extensive cooperation in foraging and in defending their territory and food reserves, as well as in care-giving activities. It can be assumed that females of these species produce fewer offspring, yet of “better quality.” Ultimately, social rodent species may gain inclusive fitness benefits because of the higher fitness of their offspring as compared to solitary dwellers and gregarious species.
ISSN:1062-3590
1608-3059
DOI:10.1134/S1062359021100113