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miami1186167337.pdf (261.18 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
PHILOPATRY IN PRAIRIE VOLES: AN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT SATURATION HYPOTHESIS
Author Info
Lucia, Kristen E
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186167337
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2007, Master of Science, Miami University, Zoology.
Abstract
Philopatry, or delayed dispersal of sexually mature offspring, may be due to ecological constraints on dispersal. In this study I manipulated the population density of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in experimental enclosures to test the predictions of the habitat saturation hypothesis that philopatry and subsequent group formation in this cooperatively breeding mammal is affected by the availability of suitable territories. A significantly greater proportion of offspring remained philopatric at high densities, with females being more philopatric than males at all densities. This increase in philopatry led to a significant increase in the proportion of social units that were groups as well as a significant increase in group size. These results provide the strongest evidence for a mammal of a causal affect of density on dispersal and group formation and suggest that habitat saturation is at least a partial explanation for philopatry in prairie voles.
Committee
Brian Keane (Advisor)
Pages
52 p.
Keywords
Habitat saturation
;
prairie voles
;
ecological constraints
;
philopatry
;
dispersal
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Citations
Lucia, K. E. (2007).
PHILOPATRY IN PRAIRIE VOLES: AN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT SATURATION HYPOTHESIS
[Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186167337
APA Style (7th edition)
Lucia, Kristen.
PHILOPATRY IN PRAIRIE VOLES: AN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT SATURATION HYPOTHESIS.
2007. Miami University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186167337.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Lucia, Kristen. "PHILOPATRY IN PRAIRIE VOLES: AN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT SATURATION HYPOTHESIS." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186167337
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
miami1186167337
Download Count:
474
Copyright Info
© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.