Versatile counterstrategies shift the balance of intersexual conflict
from males to females
- Zuofu Xiang,
- Yang YU,
- Hui Yao,
- Qinglang Hu,
- Ming Li
Yang YU
Central South University of Forestry & Technology
Author ProfileHui Yao
Central South University of Forestry & Technology
Author ProfileMing Li
Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Author ProfileAbstract
Although primate females are predicted to develop counterstrategies
against male infanticide, it has remained unclear whether
counterstrategies are effective. Detailed long-term observations in
Rhinopithecus roxellana reveal that females are able to mount versatile
counterstrategies, including extra-unit mating, female joint defense and
transfer with the infants, which lead to only 4 of 31 infants succumbing
to infanticide and no difference in mortality of infants present during
male replacements compare to other periods. Female joint defenses
crucially delay infanticide and provide an opportunity for mothers'
transfer to another social unit. In response to mothers' transfer, some
males cease attacking infants, which is likely beneficial to males as
during longer tenure they can sire future offspring of the mothers who
remain. Our findings show how dynamic interactions between males and
females can be and how the conditions in multilevel societies can shift
the balance of intersexual conflict from males to females.