Abstract
Abstract Striking uniformity exists in humans' preference to conceal sexual activity from conspecifics' view. Yet, little is known about the selective pressures acting upon its evolution. To investigate this question, we studied the cooperatively breeding Arabian babbler (Turdoides squamiceps), which has been suggested being the only other species where dominant individuals conceal sex regularly. We examined whether birds indeed conceal sex and tested different hypotheses postulating that sex concealment functions to avoid predators, signal dominance status, or to avoid social interference. The results showed that the birds concealed sex in all observed cases of copulation, did not prefer to copulate under shelters and concealed mating solicitations from adult conspecifics. In addition, subordinates did not attack dominants who courted the respective female. Hence, none of the tested hypotheses explains these results satisfactorily. We postulate that dominant Arabian babblers conceal sex to maintain cooperation with those helpers they prevent from mating. Empirical desiderata for testing this ‘Cooperation-Maintenance’ hypothesis are discussed.
Highlights
IntroductionThe djversity of cultures (Oavenport, 1987) and mating systems (e.g., monogamy, polyandry; Schmitt, 2005) that have evolved in the human species (Homo sapiens) is manifold
The djversity of cultures (Oavenport, 1987) and mating systems that have evolved in the human species (Homo sapiens) is manifold
We addressed the following t:wo questions: First, do Arabian babblers regularly conceal sex from conspecifics regardless of their dominance rank? To answer this question, we followed the approach by Overduin-de Vries, Spruijt, Vries, and Sterck (2015) and paid special attention to t:wo behavioural strategies implicated wilh tactical deception: "u.singperipheral locations" and "hiding behind opaque objects" (i.c., both individuals position themselves on one side of an opaque object, while the audience is on the opposite side). lf Arabian babblers conceal sex, we predicted that copulation attcmpts
Summary
The djversity of cultures (Oavenport, 1987) and mating systems (e.g., monogamy, polyandry; Schmitt, 2005) that have evolved in the human species (Homo sapiens) is manifold. Ind ividuals actively seize opportunities when alone with their mating partners to solicit copulation This hypothesis has predominantly becn applied to explain concealed sex in a varietyof species such as, for instance, humans (Suggs, 1966), Rocky mountain bighom sheep (Ovis canadensis; Hogg, 1988), and Dunnocks (Prunella modularis; Davies et al, 1996). We investigated (i) whether solicitations of copulations were concealed from conspecifics, (ii) whether the chosen mating location was protected from predators, (iii) whether dominant and subordinate individuals differed in their preference to concea l OBJECT PRESENTATIONS, (iv) the behavioural responses involved when a third party approaching the dyad during OBJECT PRESENTATIONS and/or copulation attempts, and (v) whether copu lation attempts were initiated by OBJECT PRESENTATIONS
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
