Biology 1001A Chapter Notes - Chapter 47.12 and 47.13: Estrous Cycle, Sexual Reproduction, Reciprocal Altruism
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Social behaviour is the interactions that animals have with other members of their spe(cid:272)ies a(cid:374)d has profou(cid:374)d effe(cid:272)ts o(cid:374) a(cid:374) i(cid:374)di(cid:448)idual"s reprodu(cid:272)ti(cid:448)e su(cid:272)(cid:272)ess. Animals can be solitary, live in small family groups, large family groups, or large social units of primarily nonrelatives. The level of social interaction varies seasonally, dependent upon reproduction. Males sire the young born to females in their pride so they have a high reproductive output. Female lions in prides have more young per litter than those who live alone. Females are usually genetically related and their estrus cycle are synched. Males are bigger than females and fight for position of pride male. When a new male takes over a pride, he kills all nursing young to bring females into estrus. It benefits the male because it increases the chances of his success at reproducing. Females are not large enough to protect their young from the male.
