Gonadosomatic index and plasma cortisol levels differed among subordinate, ascending, and dominant male social groups.

<p><b>A</b>) Dominant males (<i>N</i> = 13) had higher gonadosomatic index values (GSI) compared to both subordinate (<i>N</i> = 16) and ascending (N = 14) males. <b>B</b>) Plasma cortisol levels were higher in subordinate males compared to both dominant males and males ascending in status 15 minutes after presentation of a social opportunity. Data are plotted as mean ± SEM and sample sizes are indicated in parentheses. Different letters indicate significant differences at <i>P</i><0.05. <b>C</b>) Plasma cortisol levels were positively correlated with GSI in subordinate males (open circles), but not in ascending (grey inverted triangles) or dominant (closed squares) males.