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Why is it adaptive for subordinate male turkeys to form coalitions in which they will not father any offspring? They obtain higher fitness by helping a close relative. It increases their direct fitness. Female turkeys prefer to mate with subordinate males in coalitions. It increases their access to food resources. They gain mating access to females in the coalition.

Answer :

In the world of animal behavior, particularly when looking at turkeys, it might seem unusual that subordinate male turkeys assist dominant males in mating rather than trying to mate themselves. This behavior is actually a fascinating example of kin selection, which is an evolutionary strategy that increases an individual's indirect fitness.

  1. Understanding Indirect Fitness:

    • Indirect fitness refers to the genetic gains made by an individual through helping relatives reproduce, because they share many genes with their kin. By helping close relatives, such as brothers, raise more offspring, a subordinate male can ensure that more of their genetic material is passed on even if they don't reproduce themselves.

  2. Coalition Formation:

    • Male turkeys often form "coalitions," which are groups where one dominant male receives the majority of mating opportunities, while the subordinates help attract females. Such behavior can be particularly advantageous when these subordinate males are closely related to the dominant ones. In many cases, these coalitions consist of brothers or half-brothers.

  3. Adaptive Advantage:

    • By supporting a closely related dominant male in securing mates and producing offspring, subordinate males increase their inclusive fitness. This concept is key to understanding why these coalitions are adaptive.

  4. Conclusion:

    • The correct explanation for why subordinate male turkeys form such coalitions is that they obtain higher fitness by helping a close relative (first option in the list). This behavior is not primarily about gaining direct fitness or food resources, nor is it about gaining mating access for themselves. It's an example of a cooperative strategy that results in the propagation of shared genes through a close relative's reproductive success.

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