Genetic Consequences of Dispersal, Philopatry and Reproductive Behaviors

Abstract

Otariid behaviors, such as decisions to disperse or return to breed at the natal site and certain reproductive behaviors, when repeated over generations, profoundly shape population ecological and evolutionary processes. In this chapter, genetic consequences of these behaviors are reviewed, highlighting their implications for conservation. A few patterns emerge: (i) there are varying degrees of population genetic structure among otariids, reflecting variability in rate of female philopatry and levels of male-mediated gene flow; (ii) male reproductive skew is generally high in otariids but is largely balanced by territorial male turnover and nuances in female behavior that preclude them from remating often; (iii) although recolonization is largely a positive density-dependent process, alternative scenarios are emerging, where pioneer individuals may come from less densely populated areas; and (iv) the intense era of exploitation in the nineteenth century was survived by most species with relatively low impact to their genetic make-up. These findings exemplify the strong connections among behavior, ecology and evolution.