Mammals in the Neotropics employ a range of reproductive strategies.

Discuss the range and benefits of these strategies, using examples and explain why such strategies would have evolved.
Mammals are a member of the group vertebrata under the Kingdom Animalia. They are warm- blooded organisms identified by the presence of hair, three middle ear bones and mammary glands in all members. Other characteristics include heterodont dentition; welldeveloped brain, a four chambered heart, etc. They (mammals) may be aquatic or terrestrial with a variety of habitats- deserts, arctic, forests, trees, burrows, etc. Class Mammalia is diverse existing in a number of shapes and forms: streamline and fish-like as well as webbed limbs in aquatic and swimming members. Wings and clawed limbs of terrestrial members.

Diagram showing an aquatic mammal- the killer whale Mammals may be grouped into three categories according to the reproductive modes they employ. These are: 1. Eutherian (placental) for example includes most mammals- elephants, horses, rats, etc. 2. Marsupials (pouched) for example opossums, kangaroos 3. Monotreme (egg laying) for example platypus, echidnas

Diagram showing the three groups of mammals.

The Neotropics or Neotropical region encompasses the South American continent a well as Central America and the Caribbean. Reproductive strategies are modes of operation or methods an organism uses for the successful continuation of its species through reproductive means. Mammals like other organisms must fulfill their duty to continue their lineage. Survival of a lineage or species is a product of dominant genes which are usually the best and strongest genes. Reproductive strategies help to promote natural selection that is among the offspring there will be some better able to withstand the prevailing conditions (environment and predation). Some will be better adapted (fitter) to survive in the struggle for existence. These types are more likely to survive long enough to breed. (Understanding Advanced Biology, Fourth Edition). This is done by maintaining a large gene pool which equals large level of genetic variation which is equivalent to better/ greater chances for survival. Reproductive strategies are stepping ladders or building blocks through which survival of species are achieved. Darwins theory of natural selection asserts that survival is only half the battle: For natural selection to be successful, survivors must reproduce and pass their success-producing genes to the next generation. Reproduction is essential for survival of the species; therefore, the reproductive biology evolved by a population or species is a critical life history strategy. Mammals like other organism utilize the k or r selection as reproductive patterns passed from generations. However the modes of reproduction as well as the mating systems can be consider techniques or means by which mammals maintain reproductive success. Neotropical mammals utilize both r and k selections as well as eutherian and marsupial modes of reproduction in addition to the following mating systems monogamy, polygamy-polygyny and polyandry. Strategies for reproduction a mammal of the neotropics may take is influenced largely by where they live, available resources and threat to their lives. Mammals may be either r or k selection. In the r selection technique large numbers of small young are produced. There is little to no parental care and little energy input in gestation. Organisms that are r selections reproduce early and have high mortality rates. Young are produced in large numbers irrespective of the available resources. For example rodents and other small mammals such as bats. K selected organisms produce a small number of large (size) young. Much energy is expended in gestation and after parental care. These organisms are usually long- lived with low mortality rates. K select organisms choose conditions of abundance before producing young. For example dogs, cows, humans, etc. Reproductive Modes can be classified under the r and k selection. As mentioned earlier Marsupial and Eutherian are characteristic of Neotropical mammals. With marsupial reproduction there is internal fertilization and viviparity (the organism gives birth to the young). Here the embryo floats for a few days then lies in a depression where it is feed from secretions from the uterus. This mode exhibits a short gestation period. The number of young produced varies from species. This mode of operation is present in the opossum, shrew opossum and Monito del monte in the Neotropics.Marsupial Reproduction requires a lot of energy investment by the parent as the young are underdeveloped and vulnerable depending solely on its parent particularly after birth where there is the risk of predation, environmental changes, etc. In Eutherian reproduction there is internal fertilization and viviparity. Young share a placental connection to the mothers body and gestation is prolonged. This (gestation) usually is associated with body size. The number of young produced at each breeding

interval varies with body size. Mice may produce as much as 17 litters of 4-9 each year. While cows may produce one calf. This too requires a large energy investment by the organism particularly during gestation. Unlike in the case of the marsupial lactation is short. The mating system is a means by which organisms make a genetic contribution in an effort to continue the species. Monogamy exists when an organism finds a mate and the two remain bonded. Both sexes help to ensure the survival of their offspring. The female produces the young and the male bringing food and defending territory. Or both sexes existing with a high degree of sexual equality. Seen in the Neotropical fox and gibbon respectively. This system is rare, occurring in less than 3% of all mammals. Genetic diversity is limited. Polygyny is the most common mating system with the highest success and greatest genetic diversity. This success is the result of males having more than one mate. This offers greater gene pool. Seen in Neotropical fruit bats as well as wild boars, cats, etc. Polyandry is however none existent in Neotropical mammals. Reproductive strategies may have evaded as a result of selective pressures from the environment, predation, and competition. Organisms might have felt that survival equaled to adapting to the changing world. Also mutation in gene might be another reason for evolution of each strategy. Evolution has produced multiple successful reproductive strategies Reproductive strategies are influenced by the organisms genetic map as well as outside factors.

References
Marshall-Graves, Jennifer A. 1996. Mammals that break the rules: genetics of marsupials and monotremes. Annual Review of Genetics 30: 233-228. Dawson, Terence J. 1983. Monotreme and Marsupials: the Other Mammals. Southampton (GB): The Camelot Press Ltd Culp, G. Richard; The Geographical Distribution of Animals and Plants, Creation Research Society Quarterly, 25[1]:24-27, June 1998. Woodmorappe, John; "Causes for the Biogeographic Distribution of Land Vertebrates after the Flood" Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Creationism, 1990, Vol. II, pp. 361-370. Woodmorappe, John; "Studies in Creationism and Flood Geology" ICR IMPACT No. 238, April 1993. Mammalogy notes