IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Bertram, B.C.R. | |
| Kin selection in lions and in evolution | |
| 1976 Book Chapter | |
Animals in social groups are often genetically related to one another. Given certain information on their social system and reproduction, it is possible to calculate how closely related they are likely to be. Such a calculation is carried out for lions (_Panthera leo_ L.). The adult males in a typical pride are on average about as closely related as half-siblings, and the females as full cousins. It is shown that variation among prides has little effect on these average degrees of relatedness. Since these related lions in a pride cooperate with one another, a kin selection pressure is likely to be operating. Its importance is discussed in connection with communal suckling, males' tolerance towards cubs, and the lack of competition for oestrous females. It is shown that individual selective pressures are also operating in these cases. One would expect selective pressure for enhancing animals' ability to distinguish precisely their degree of relatedness to other individuals; some of the problems hindering this are outlined. It is emphasised that evolutionarey change occurs in response to the net effect of a great array of selective pressures, acting on individuals and exerting their 'pressure' in different directions; kin selection pressure is only one of them. |
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