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Author (up) Clutton-Brock, T.H.; Russell, A.F.; Sharpe, L.L.; Brotherton, P.N.; McIlrath, G.M.; White, S.; Cameron, E.Z. doi  openurl
  Title Effects of helpers on juvenile development and survival in meerkats Type Journal Article
  Year 2001 Publication Science (New York, N.Y.) Abbreviated Journal Science  
  Volume 293 Issue 5539 Pages 2446-2449  
  Keywords Animals; Breeding; Carnivora/growth & development/*physiology; *Cooperative Behavior; Feeding Behavior; Female; Male; Survival Rate; *Weight Gain  
  Abstract Although breeding success is known to increase with group size in several cooperative mammals, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are uncertain. We show that in wild groups of cooperative meerkats, Suricata suricatta, reductions in the ratio of helpers to pups depress the daily weight gain and growth of pups and the daily weight gain of helpers. Increases in the daily weight gain of pups are associated with heavier weights at independence and at 1 year of age, as well as with improved foraging success as juveniles and higher survival rates through the first year of life. These results suggest that the effects of helpers on the fitness of pups extend beyond weaning and that helpers may gain direct as well as indirect benefits by feeding pups.  
  Address Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK. thcb@hermes.cam.ac.uk  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:11577235 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 414  
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