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This chapter examines the influence of maternal effects on the size and development of pinnipeds. The analysis reveals that pinniped offspring are affected by maternal decisions about the timing and location of birth, the foraging ability of mothers, and the ability of mothers to defend and maintain contact with dependent offspring. The results also indicate that the expression of maternal effects on offspring phenotype in pinnipeds is influenced by maternal and offspring environments. These include changes in colony density within and among breeding seasons and social structure.
Keywords: maternal effects; pinnipeds; offspring size; birth; foraging ability; colony density; social structure
Chapter. 12463 words. Illustrated.
Subjects: Animal Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology
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