Popular Male Dolphins Produce More Offspring

The cooperation of male dolphins for the purpose of reproduction is highly unusual in the animal kingdom. (Image: www.sharkbaydolphins.org © Simon Allen) - The reproductive success of male dolphins is not determined by strength or age, but via social bonds with other males. The better integrated males are in their social network, the more offspring they produce, a new study by an international team of researchers led by the University of Zurich has shown using long-term behavioral and genetic data. Male dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia live in complex social groups in which they form long-lasting bonds to cooperate with other males. To do this, they join in large, stable alliances. Within these alliances, males form smaller, less stable groups of two to three to mate with females, steal them from other alliances or defend against attacks. Cooperating for the purpose of reproduction.