Social Systems in Habitat-Specialist Reef Fishes: Key Concepts in Evolutionary Ecology

A major focus in evolutionary ecology lies in explaining the evolution and maintenance of social systems. Although most theoretical formulations of social system evolution were initially inspired by studies of birds, mammals, and insects, incorporating a wider taxonomic perspective is important for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioscience 2013-06, Vol.63 (6), p.453-463
Main Authors: Wong, Marian Y. L, Buston, Peter M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Biological oceanography
Breeding
Breeding sites
breeding system
cooperative breeding
coral reef fish
Coral reefs
Ecology
Eggs
Evolution
Female animals
Fish
Group Experience
Habitats
Male animals
Marine ecology
Mating behavior
Mating systems
OVERVIEW ARTICLES
Pisces
sex change
Social Organizations
social system
Social Systems
Wildlife habitats
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Summary:A major focus in evolutionary ecology lies in explaining the evolution and maintenance of social systems. Although most theoretical formulations of social system evolution were initially inspired by studies of birds, mammals, and insects, incorporating a wider taxonomic perspective is important for testing deeply entrenched theory. Here, we review the contribution of studies of habitat-specialist coral reef fishes to our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of animal social systems. These fishes are ecologically similar but display remarkable variation in mating systems, social organization, and sex allocation strategies. By reviewing recent research, we demonstrate their amenability for experimental testing of key concepts in social evolution and for generating novel insights, including the ultimate reasons for female reproductive suppression, group living, and bidirectional sex change. Habitat-specialist reef fishes are a tried and tested group of model organisms for advancing our understanding of the evolution and ecology of social systems in animals.
ISSN:0006-3568
1525-3244
DOI:10.1525/bio.2013.63.6.7