Social structure influences extra-pair paternity in socially monogamous mammals.

The article provides information on a study that examined the impact of the social structure and of the type of pair bonding on the interspecific variations of extra-pair paternity rates, using the genetic estimates of paternity available for 22 species of socially monogamous mammals. It discusses the material and methods used in the study. The research found that no interaction happened between the effects of the strength of pair bonding and social structure. Based on the study, the ability of males to monopolize breeding females is an important determinant of extra-pair paternity.