Comment on "Bateman in nature: predation on offspring reduces the potential for sexual selection"

Science. 2013 May 3;340(6132):549. doi: 10.1126/science.1233298.

Abstract

Byers and Dunn's (Reports, 9 November 2012, p.802) conclusion that predation constrains sexual selection is problematic for three reasons: their nonstandard calculation of Bateman slopes; their assertion that random processes do not influence reproductive success; and the statistically unjustifiable use of 6 variables to explain just 10 observations.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antelopes / physiology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mating Preference, Animal*
  • Predatory Behavior*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal*