Ecological correlates of polygyny

• Females solitary, but ranges defensible by male

  • prosimian primates

• Females solitary, range not defensible

  • Moose, orangutan

• Females social, range defensible

  • Seasonal harems - elephant seals, red deer
  • Permanent harems - baboons, zebra, spear-nosed bats

• Females social, range not defensible

  • Female movements unpredictable

    • males follow females, e.g. elephants
  • Female movements predictable - males display on leks

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