In This Chapter, You Were Introduced to Optimal Skew Models

Essay

In this chapter, you were introduced to optimal skew models as they apply to the partitioning of reproduction amongst members of a group. Obtain a copy of Clutton-Brock's (1998) review of reproductive skew entitled "Reproductive Skew, Concessions, and Limited Control" (Trends in Ecology and Evolution, vol. 13, pp. 288-292); and Clutton-Brock and colleagues' (2001) paper, "Cooperation, Concession, and Control in Meerkat Groups" (Science, vol. 291, pp. 478-481). What is the distinction between limited control and optimal models of reproductive skew? Develop an experimental strategy complete with controls that you think will discriminate between these two models in cooperatively breeding animals.