What social cue typically triggers the largest female wrasse to undergo sex change in harem-based systems?
Answer
The death or absence of a dominant male
The transformation of sex among protogynous wrasses is closely tied to the existing social hierarchy within their groups, particularly in harem-based structures. The critical social cue that initiates the transition process for the largest female is the removal of the established dominant male from the social unit, usually through death or permanent absence. This event signals a vacancy in the hierarchy, prompting the largest female to initiate the sex change to assume the vacant dominant male role, thereby maintaining the social structure and reproductive viability of the group. This shift in behavior can begin quickly, although the full functional sex change takes several days.
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