In some populations of the American turkey (Meleagris gallopavo),groups of males

Question

In some populations of the American turkey (Meleagris gallopavo),groups of males
form permanent alliances and display together. Females preferlarger groups of males
over single male displays. There is very strong sexual selectionoverall, with high
variance in male mating success, though more than one male in agroup can secure
matings.

Three evolutionary frameworks have been proposed to account forthese observations of
apparent cooperation: kin selection, reciprocity, and negativefrequency-dependent
selection. Which one applies to this scenario?

Explanation / Answer

I believe it's reciprocity (direct reciprocity as a matter offact) since it's a mutual thing between the turkeys displayingtogether as a group. That is, everyone benefits as a whole if theywork together as opposed to working alone (altruisticbehaviour?) Negative frequency dependence has nothing to do with this. Andwith regards to kin selection, the turkeys are working together atonce in this scenario (reciprocity) rather than oneturkey helping another secure a mate (kin selection).

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