A prediction that arises from the kin cooperation hypothesis is that the magnitude of sex-biased dispersal should increase with increases in social complexity. Devillard and colleagues (2004) tested that hypothesis by reviewing the literature on 11 species of ground-dwelling sciurids (e.g., ground squirrels, marmots, prairie dogs). What characteristic of sciurids made them a particularly appropriate group for this study?
A) Their social structures range from solitary to large social groups comprised of individuals from several generations.
B) They display unusually high frequencies of female-biased natal dispersal.
C) They experience very little feeding competition.
D) They tend to practice resource-defense mating strategies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sciurids, with their varied social structures ranging from solitary to large, multi-generational social groups, provide a broad spectrum of social complexity. This makes them ideal for studying the relationship between social complexity and sex-biased dispersal, as predicted by the kin cooperation hypothesis.

A Prediction That Arises from the Kin Cooperation Hypothesis Is