Direct male-male competition is most intense in
A) pair-bonded groups.
B) one-male, multifemale groups.
C) multimale, multifemale groups.
D) bachelor groups.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One-male, multifemale groups typically have the most intense direct male-male competition because males are competing for exclusive access to multiple females, which maximizes their chances of passing on their genes. In contrast, pair-bonded groups have less intense competition because each male has a single mate, and bachelor groups have little to no competition because males are not actively competing for mating opportunities within the group. Multi-male, multifemale groups fall somewhere in between, with some competition among males but also opportunities for coalition formation and cooperative behavior.

Direct Male-Male Competition Is Most Intense in