Explaining negative kin discrimination in a cooperative mammal society

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1612235114
• Publication Date: 2017-04-25T00:55:25Z
• Authors: Faye J. Thompson; Michael A. Cant; Harry H. Marshall; Emma I. K. Vitika...; Jennifer L. Sande...; Hazel J. Nichols; Jason S. Gilchrist; Matthew B. V. Bell; Andrew J. Young; Sarah J. Hodge; Rufus A. Johnstone
• Keywords: Kin selection; Altruism; Inclusive fitness; Kin recognition; Mammal

Significance Kin selection theory predicts that animals will direct altruism toward closer genetic relatives and aggression more distantly related individuals. Our 18-y study of wild banded mongooses reveals that, unusually, dominant individuals target females who are closely to them for violent eviction from the group. This puzzling result can be explained by unrelated resist submit easily. In support this idea, we show kin targeted only when capable resisting. results suggest where potential victims oppose aggression, usual predictions reversed.