Ecological and social constraints combine to promote evolution of non-breeding strategies in clownfish

• DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01380-8
• Publication Date: 2020-11-06T11:02:46Z
• Authors: Rebecca Branconi; Tina A. Barbasch; Robin K. Francis; Maya Srinivasan; Geoffrey P. Jones; Peter M. Buston
• Keywords: CONTEST; Inclusive fitness; Cooperative breeding; Eusociality

Individuals that forgo their own reproduction in animal societies represent an evolutionary paradox because it is not immediately apparent how natural selection can preserve the genes underlie non-breeding strategies. Cooperative breeding theory provides a solution to paradox: non-breeders benefit by helping relatives and/or inheriting positions; do disperse breed elsewhere of ecological constraints. However, question why contest within group has rarely been addressed. Here, we use wild population clownfish (Amphiprion percula), where wait peacefully for years inherit positions, show will when constraints (risk mortality during dispersal) are experimentally weakened. In addition, social eviction contest) relaxed. Our results combination and promote evolution The findings highlight parallels between, potential fruitful exchange cooperative economic bargaining theory: individuals positions (engage options) there harsh (poor outside inside options).