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Effects of helpers on juvenile development and survival in meerkats
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 06:50 authored by Clutton-Brock, TH, Russell, AF, Sharpe, LL, Brotherton, PNM, McIlrath, GM, White, S, Elissa CameronAlthough breeding success is known to increase with group size in several cooperative mammals, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are un- certain. We show that in wild groups of cooperative meerkats, Suricata suricatta, reductions in the ratio of helpers to pups depress the daily weight gain and growth of pups and the daily weight gain of helpers. Increases in the daily weight gain of pups are associated with heavier weights at independence and at 1 year of age, as well as with improved foraging success as juveniles and higher survival rates through the first year of life. These results suggest that the effects of helpers on the fitness of pups extend beyond weaning and that helpers may gain direct as well as indirect benefits by feeding pups.
History
Publication title
ScienceVolume
293Issue
5539Pagination
2446-2449ISSN
0036-8075Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Amer Assoc Advancement SciencePlace of publication
1200 New York Ave, Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20005Rights statement
Copyright © 2001. American Association for the Advancement of Science.Repository Status
- Restricted