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Social Systems In Habitat-Specialist Reef Fishes: Key Concepts In Evolutionary Ecology, Marian Y.L Wong, Peter M. Buston

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

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 …