SOCIAL-STRUCTURE AND GENE DYNAMICS IN MAMMALS

A few studies have suggested that social structure can have major infl uences on genetic properties, or ''gene dynamics,'' of populations. Th is Special Feature investigates this suggestion with new empiricism an d modeling. Standard statistical methods for describing genetic struct uring of local populations that is caused by social structure are pres ented, and several new methods are both introduced and applied. With t hese methods, genetic properties of populations can be investigated us ing biochemical data, pedigrees, and behavioral-demographic models (ca lled ''breeding-group models''). New data from black-tailed prairie do gs (Cynomys ludovicianus), red howling monkeys (Aloutta seniculus), an d humans indicate that social structure of populations can produce sig nificant influences on gene dynamics. In addition, new modeling shows that genetic structuring caused by social breeding groups produces con straints on further social evolution. Many characteristics of social s ystems might influence gene dynamics, such as group composition with r espect to sex and kinship, mating preferences, and dispersal movements . Mammalian species exhibit a wide variety of social systems, and thus provide opportunities for investigation of the sensitivity of gene dy namics to behavioral and demographic characteristics.