Abstract
Territory acquisition and pair compatibility are determining factors for the fitness of territorial animals. Although these aspects are often studied separately, for territorial monogamous species acquiring a territory and obtaining a mate are not mutually exclusive. In this study, we investigated territory acquisition and mate choice characteristics in a saturated population of the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber , by comparing individuals that successfully acquired territories with ones that were available in the study area (potential competitors). We used body mass and familiarity with an area as proxies for competitive ability, and genetic measures of inbreeding and relatedness, as well as age difference between pair members as proxies for mate compatibility. Comparatively older individuals and ones familiar with an area had a higher probability of territory acquisition, indicating that competitive ability was important for territory acquisition, whereas mate compatibility characteristics generally were not. However, in pairs that had a large age difference (between pair members), annual reproductive success decreased in more inbred pairs. These findings indicate that there might be a trade-off between territory acquisition and pair compatibility in saturated populations, that is, individuals accept being paired with a suboptimal mate when acquiring a territory, owing to intense competition. Our study emphasizes the importance of incorporating both factors related to competitive ability and mate compatibility when investigating territory acquisition in animals. • Territory acquisition and mate choice are often linked in monogamous species. • Competitive ability affects territory acquisition in beavers. • Individuals accept being paired with a suboptimal mate when acquiring a territory. • There might be a trade-off between territory acquisition and pair compatibility.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.