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The effects of avpr1a microsatellite length and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)

Richmond, Ashley R.

Abstract Details

2007, Master of Science, Miami University, Zoology.
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.
Nancy Solomon (Advisor)
45 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Richmond, A. R. (2007). The effects of avpr1a microsatellite length and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1187962649

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Richmond, Ashley. The effects of avpr1a microsatellite length and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). 2007. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1187962649.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Richmond, Ashley. "The effects of avpr1a microsatellite length and population density on indices of social and genetic monogamy in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1187962649

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)