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Lions and lioness lying in grass

Polygynandrous

Polygynandrous describes a multi-male, multi-female polygamous mating system, such as that seen in lions and bonobos. Females are usually more numerous than the males and mating occurs only within the group. The advantage of this form of polygamy is greater genetic diversity, less need for males to compete with each other and greater protection for the young.

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About

Polygynandry occurs when two or more males have an exclusive relationship with two or more females. The numbers of males and females need not be equal, and in vertebrate species studied so far, the number of males is usually lower. Polygynandry can occur in polygynous mating systems when the population gets too large for males to successfully keep exclusive harems. Polygynandrous groups will often contain related males. The advantage of this form of polygamy is greater genetic diversity, less need for males to compete with each other and greater protection for the young.

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Behaviours

Other Reproductive strategy behaviours

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