The effects of avpr1a microsatellite length and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy in male prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster )
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Studies have shown that complex social behaviors, such as pair bonding in mammals, are influenced by environmental and genetic factors, but few have examined the effects of these factors simultaneously under ecologically relevant conditions.I investigated the relative importance of the influence of the avpr1a microsatellite and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy of male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in semi-natural conditions.Contrary to my predictions, the influence of avpr1a did not supersede the effects of density across all three indices of social monogamy.Further, neither avpr1a nor population density had significant effects on genetic monogamy, but males in higher food quality habitats had significantly more mates and produced significantly more offspring.These results demonstrate that, in nature, monogamy is not the result of avpr1a genotype alone.Environmental variables, like population density and food quality, also play important roles in influencing monogamy in male prairie voles.
Author: Ashley R. Richmond
Institution: Miami University
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2241711967