Female Dispersion Is Necessary, But Not Sufficient, For The Evolution of Monogamy in Mammals

Abstract

Explanations for the evolution of monogamy in mammals typically emphasise one of two possibilities: monogamy evolves when females are overdispersed (such that males cannot defend more than one female at a time) or when males provide a service to the female. However, the first claim has never been directly tested. I test it directly at three levels using data from primates and ungulates. First, I show that the females of monogamous genera do not have territories that are significantly larger, either absolutely or relatively, than those of polygamous genera. Second, using both the Mitani-Rodman and Lowen-Dunbar inequalities, I show that, given their typical day journey lengths, males of most monogamous species could easily defend an area large enough to allow them to monopolise as many as 5-10 females if these ranged solitarily. Finally, I use a model of male mate searching strategies to show that, unlike the males of socially-living polygamous species, the opportunity cost that monogamous males incur is typically more than five times the reproductive success they have by being obligately monogamous. This suggests that the selection pressure dissuading them from pursuing a roving male strategy must be very considerable.