Research overview: reproductive skew in male felid coalitions

When males cooperate in coalitions, reproductive skew describes how evenly or unequally reproduction is divided among members. This overview surveys reproductive skew in felid coalitions, particularly in lions and cheetahs, where genetic data reveal how much each coalition male reproduces. It reviews theoretical models predicting skew based on kinship, group size, and the costs and benefits of cooperation, and how observed felid patterns fit these predictions. The review connects skew to the evolution of cooperation, since related males may tolerate shared reproduction while unrelated partners may compete more. Understanding reproductive skew clarifies why male felids form coalitions despite sharing mates and how relatedness and competition jointly determine the distribution of reproductive success.