Chapter 31, Problem 32A

Summary Introduction

To write:

About the relationship between the order of male seals in the dominance hierarchy and their number of matings.

Introduction:

Any social behavior which is related to fighting is known as agonistic behavior. Agonistic behavior has a wider meaning than aggressive behavior because it includes displays, placation, retreats, threats and conciliation. Agonistic behavior is seen in animals which are competing for the same resources for example food or mates.

Explanation of Solution

  

From the given graph it is clear that order of male seals in the dominance hierarchy is directly proportional to the number of matings because on decreasing the rank in male dominace hierarchy percent of total matings also decreases. That means dominance males performs more number of matings and recessive males performs less number of matings.

Conclusion

Male dominance hierarchy is directly proportional to the number of matings.