Are Communal Pukeko Caught in the Prisoner's Dilemma?

The prisoner's dilemma of game theory provides a possible explanation for communal breeding in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio, Aves) where group breeding birds are at a reproductive disadvantage compared to pairs. Territorial defence is largely the realm of males. A male who 'defects'...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behavioral ecology and sociobiology 1984-01, Vol.14 (2), p.147-150
Main Author: Craig, John L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal ethology
Aves
Aviculture
Biological and medical sciences
Breeding
Breeding seasons
Charitable behavior
Evolution
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Male animals
Mating behavior
Porphyrio porphyrio
Prisoners dilemma
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Reproductive success
Social behavior
Vertebrata
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Summary:The prisoner's dilemma of game theory provides a possible explanation for communal breeding in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio, Aves) where group breeding birds are at a reproductive disadvantage compared to pairs. Territorial defence is largely the realm of males. A male who 'defects' on neighbours by taking in an extra male defender and so becoming communal stands to gain territorial area and possibly higher reproductive success. Neighbours are forced to follow suit if additional males are available or lose their territory and therefore their breeding opportunities. If neighbours also admit an extra defender, the initial 'defector' loses his advantages and all males end up with the lower breeding success of communal groups. Such 'defection' to a communal habit appears to be the only stable solution.
ISSN:0340-5443
1432-0762
DOI:10.1007/BF00291905