1
|
Pavez-Fox MA, Siracusa ER, Ellis S, Kimock CM, Rivera-Barreto N, Negron-Del Valle JE, Phillips D, Ruiz-Lambides A, Snyder-Mackler N, Higham JP, Brent LJ, De Moor D. Socioecological drivers of injuries in female and male rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.20.563310. [PMID: 38559204 PMCID: PMC10979908 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Competition over access to resources, such as food and mates, is believed to be one of the major costs associated with group living. Two socioecological factors suggested to predict the intensity of competition are group size and the relative abundance of sexually active individuals. However, empirical evidence linking these factors to injuries and survival costs is scarce. Here, we leveraged 10 years of data from free-ranging rhesus macaques where injuries inflicted by conspecifics are associated with a high mortality risk. We tested if group size and adult sex ratio predicted the occurrence of injuries and used data on physical aggression to contextualise these results. We found that males were less likely to be injured when living in larger groups, potentially due to advantages in intergroup encounters. Females, instead, had higher injury risk when living in larger groups but this was not explained by within-group aggression among females. Further, male-biased sex ratios predicted a weak increase in injury risk in females and were positively related to male-female aggression, indicating that male coercion during mating competition may be a cause of injuries in females. Overall, our results provide insights into sex differences in the fitness-related costs of competition and empirical evidence for long-standing predictions on the evolution of group living.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Pavez-Fox
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QG
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom KY16 9JP
| | - Erin R. Siracusa
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QG
| | - Samuel Ellis
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QG
| | - Clare M. Kimock
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY 10003
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom NG1 4FQ
| | - Nahiri Rivera-Barreto
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
| | | | - Daniel Phillips
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Temple, AZ 85281, United States
| | - Angelina Ruiz-Lambides
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
| | - Noah Snyder-Mackler
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Temple, AZ 85281, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Temple, AZ 85281
- School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Temple, AZ 85281
| | - James P. Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Lauren J.N. Brent
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QG
| | - Delphine De Moor
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom EX4 4QG
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sobral G, Dubuc C, Winters S, Ruiz-Lambides A, Emery Thompson M, Maestripieri D, Milich KM. Facial and genital color ornamentation, testosterone, and reproductive output in high-ranking male rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2621. [PMID: 38297064 PMCID: PMC10831099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Males in many vertebrate species have colorful ornaments that evolved by sexual selection. The role of androgens in the genesis and maintenance of these signals is unclear. We studied 21 adult high-ranking male rhesus macaques from nine social groups in the free-ranging population on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, and analyzed facial and genital skin luminance and redness, fecal androgens, rates of mating behaviors, and offspring sired. Facial and genital coloration varied in relation to age, mating behavior, reproductive success, and testosterone concentration. Our results indicate that skin coloration in high-ranking male rhesus macaques is a sexually-selected trait mediated by androgens. These results add to the growing literature on the proximate and ultimate causes of male sexual signals and highlight the need to examine how these characteristics change with age in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Sobral
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Constance Dubuc
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Winters
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Krista M Milich
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Deacon F, Maqhashu A, Luther-Binoir I, Daffue W, Storbeck KH, Stander M, Bercovitch FB. Reproductive endocrinology, morphological traits, and sexual selection in a population of wild South African giraffes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114383. [PMID: 37741470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are pervasive in mammals and evolutionarily conserved, but differences in the nuances of endocrine profiles characterize distinct species. Two sex steroids, testosterone and progesterone, feature prominently in the life history of mammalian taxa, but neither one has been analyzed from wild giraffes. Our study was designed to address this gap in knowledge by examining how these sex steroids are related to biological features and giraffe life history. We conducted the research at Rooipoort Nature Reserve a 44,000 ha private nature reserve in South Africa on a population of South African giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa). Eleven adult giraffe cows and seven adult bulls were immobilized and various biological samples and morphological measurements were obtained. We analyzed both testosterone and progesterone using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromotography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). We found that non-pregnant females had lower progesterone concentrations than pregnant females and that those in the last trimester of pregnancy showed a slight drop in progesterone, as well as an increase in testosterone. Among males, chronological age was correlated with testicle size, testosterone concentrations, and ossicone volume. We propose that the progesterone decline functions partly to accelerate resumption of ovulation because giraffes become pregnant while lactating, and that the testosterone elevation provides an endocrine mileu for female defense of neonatal calves, given that lion predation is a major threat to calf survival. We suggest that male reproductive strategies are mediated by the age-related impacts of testosterone on growth in both body mass and ossicone volume as a consequence of sexual selection. We conclude by noting that the robust and solid ossicones of male giraffes function in mate competition as wedges that are used to topple opponents by raising their legs and placing them in an off-balanced position that can seriously injure them when falling to the ground.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francois Deacon
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | - Ayanda Maqhashu
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ilse Luther-Binoir
- Geosperm, Wildlife Reproductive and Biotechnology Services, Brits, South Africa
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Stander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Fred B Bercovitch
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thierry B, Rebout N, Heistermann M. Hormonal responses to mating competition in male Tonkean macaques. Horm Behav 2023; 154:105395. [PMID: 37390781 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid and androgen hormones play a prominent role in male reproductive effort. Their production usually increases in non-human primates during mating competition, which may include rivalry for access to receptive females, struggles for high dominance rank, or social pressure on low-ranking individuals. It is generally assumed that glucocorticoids and androgens are associated with mating challenges rather than dominance status, but the involvement of multiple factors makes it difficult to disentangle the two. In this regard, Tonkean macaques provide a suitable model because they are characterized by relaxed dominance and year-round breeding, meaning that there is typically no more than one receptive female in a group, and thus first-ranking males can easily monopolize her. We studied two captive groups of Tonkean macaques over an 80-month period, recording the reproductive status of females, collecting urine from males and sampling behaviors in both sexes. Male urinary hormone concentrations could be affected by increased competition caused by the mating period, the number of males and the degree of female attractiveness. The highest increases in androgens were recorded in males performing female mate-guarding. Despite the importance of dominance status in determining which males can mate, we found no significant effect of male rank on glucocorticoids and only a marginal effect on androgens during mate-guarding. Both types of hormones were more directly involved in the mating effort of males than in their dominance status. Our results show that their function can be understood in light of the particular competitive needs generated by the species-specific social system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Thierry
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Nancy Rebout
- UMR Herbivores, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Curren LJ, Sawdy MA, Scribner KT, Lehmann KDS, Holekamp KE. Endurance rivalry among male spotted hyenas: what does it mean to “endure”? Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
6
|
Cooper EB, Brent LJN, Snyder-Mackler N, Singh M, Sengupta A, Khatiwada S, Malaivijitnond S, Qi Hai Z, Higham JP. The natural history of model organisms: the rhesus macaque as a success story of the Anthropocene. eLife 2022; 11:78169. [PMID: 35801697 PMCID: PMC9345599 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all the non-human primate species studied by researchers, the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is likely the most widely used across biological disciplines. Rhesus macaques have thrived during the Anthropocene and now have the largest natural range of any non-human primate. They are highly social, exhibit marked genetic diversity, and display remarkable niche flexibility (which allows them to live in a range of habitats and survive on a variety of diets). These characteristics mean that rhesus macaques are well-suited for understanding the links between sociality, health and fitness, and also for investigating intra-specific variation, adaptation and other topics in evolutionary ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve B Cooper
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, United States
| | | | | | - Mewa Singh
- Biopsychology Laboratory, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India
| | | | - Sunil Khatiwada
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Garbatka, Poland
| | | | - Zhou Qi Hai
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Massey DA, Peters F, Willshire J, Witham CL. Factors Associated with Injury Rate and Pregnancy Success in Rhesus Macaques. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070979. [PMID: 36101360 PMCID: PMC9311521 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fight injuries are a major welfare concern in group-housed rhesus macaques. This is particularly a problem in breeding groups. We investigated which factors might affect the injury rate in group-housed macaques and also looked at how the same factors might affect productivity. We analysed 10 years of health records at a breeding colony in which monkeys were kept in small breeding groups consisting of a single adult male and 2−13 females and their offspring or single-sex juvenile groups. We found that females over the age of 2.5 years in breeding groups were the most likely to be injured. We focused on these females and used generalised mixed-effect models to examine which factors affected the injury rate and their productivity (probability of getting pregnant). The biggest risk factor for injury was the introduction of a new adult male to a breeding group. However, this also produced a large increase in the proportion of females that became pregnant, suggesting that there may be a trade-off between the risk of injury and the productivity. We also found that females in large groups with a young breeding male had a very high risk of injury. We recommend keeping young breeding males (<7 years) in smaller groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Massey
- Centre for Macaques, Harwell Institute, Medical Research Council, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK; (D.A.M.); (F.P.)
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Faye Peters
- Centre for Macaques, Harwell Institute, Medical Research Council, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK; (D.A.M.); (F.P.)
| | | | - Claire L. Witham
- Centre for Macaques, Harwell Institute, Medical Research Council, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK; (D.A.M.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Social and sexual behaviors predict immune system activation, but not adrenocortical activation, in male rhesus macaques. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
10
|
Balasubramaniam KN, Beisner BA, McCowan B, Bloomsmith MA. Female social structure influences, and is influenced by, male introduction and integration success among captive rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta). BEHAVIOUR 2021; 158:1007-1042. [PMID: 36176722 PMCID: PMC9518721 DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Animal social structure is influenced by multiple socioecological factors. Of these, the links between changes to group demography through the arrival of new individuals and residents' social structure remain unclear. Across seven groups of captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), we examine how male introductions may be influenced by, and in-turn influence, aspects of female social structure. GLMMs revealed that males integrated more successfully into groups in which females showed more 'despotic' social structures, i.e., higher aggression rates, steeper dominance hierarchies, and greater rank-skew in allogrooming network connectedness. Yet during periods that followed males' social integration, females increased their social tolerance (decreased aggression and shallower hierarchies) and group cohesivity (less clustered allogrooming networks), but retained their tendencies to groom dominants. Our findings, independent of group size and matrilineal relatedness, help better understand how dispersal/immigration may influence social structure, and how assessing changes to social structure may inform macaque welfare and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna N. Balasubramaniam
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA
| | - Brianne A. Beisner
- Department of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center Field Station, Emory University, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
| | - Brenda McCowan
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA
| | - Mollie A. Bloomsmith
- Department of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center Field Station, Emory University, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Beisner BA, Remillard CM, Moss S, Long CE, Bailey KL, Young LA, Meeker T, McCowan B, Bloomsmith MA. Factors influencing the success of male introductions into groups of female rhesus macaques: Introduction technique, male characteristics and female behavior. Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23314. [PMID: 34343364 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In captive populations of rhesus macaques, novel adult males are commonly introduced to female groups every few years to prevent inbreeding, which mimics male dispersal in wild macaque populations. However, introducing adult males is challenging because macaques are aggressive to newcomers, which can result in serious injuries. Efforts to reduce trauma risk during the introduction process and increase the probability of success are needed. Here we investigate the impact of multiple factors, including male attributes (e.g., age, weight, rank, and experience), introduction method (punctuated vs. continual exposure to females), and female behavior, on males' trauma risk and integration success. We studied eight introductions of multimale cohorts (3-7 males each; N = 36 total) into existing female groups of rhesus macaques at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Four cohorts were introduced using the punctuated exposure method where adult males were moved each morning from run housing to the females' indoor enclosure and returned to run housing in the afternoon, and four cohorts were introduced using the continual exposure method where adult males were moved to an introduction enclosure attached to the females' outdoor compound, allowing males to live in protected contact next to the female group continuously. Generalized linear mixed models fitted to trauma risk (e.g., latency to first trauma; total trauma count) and success or failure to integrate (i.e., continual residence within the female group for greater than 53% of days within a 28-day window after first overnight stay) showed that continual exposure to females in the introduction enclosure reduced male trauma risk and increased the likelihood of successful integration compared to punctuated exposure. Males received less trauma when they received a higher rate of grooming from females. Male attributes had no effect. These findings highlight the importance of introduction technique and female behavior in the process of males' social integration into female groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne A Beisner
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caren M Remillard
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shannon Moss
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caroline E Long
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelly L Bailey
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leigh A Young
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy Meeker
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brenda McCowan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mollie A Bloomsmith
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Influence of female coalitionary aggressive behavior on the success of male introductions to female groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca Mulatta). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021; 237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
13
|
Petty LE, Phillippi-Falkenstein K, Kubisch HM, Raveendran M, Harris RA, Vallender EJ, Huff CD, Bohm RP, Rogers J, Below JE. Pedigree reconstruction and distant pairwise relatedness estimation from genome sequence data: A demonstration in a population of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1333-1346. [PMID: 33386679 PMCID: PMC8247968 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A primary challenge in the analysis of free‐ranging animal populations is the accurate estimation of relatedness among individuals. Many aspects of population analysis rely on knowledge of relatedness patterns, including socioecology, demography, heritability and gene mapping analyses, wildlife conservation and the management of breeding colonies. Methods for determining relatedness using genome‐wide data have improved our ability to determine kinship and reconstruct pedigrees in humans. However, methods for reconstructing complex pedigree structures and estimating distant relatedness (beyond third‐degree) have not been widely applied to other species. We sequenced the genomes of 150 male rhesus macaques from the Tulane National Primate Research Center colony to estimate pairwise relatedness, reconstruct closely related pedigrees, estimate more distant relationships and augment colony records. Methods for determining relatedness developed for human genetic data were applied and evaluated in the analysis of nonhuman primates, including identity‐by‐descent‐based methods for pedigree reconstruction and shared segment‐based inference of more distant relatedness. We compared the genotype‐based pedigrees and estimated relationships to available colony pedigree records and found high concordance (95.5% agreement) between expected and identified relationships for close relatives. In addition, we detected distant relationships not captured in colony records, including some as distant as twelfth‐degree. Furthermore, while deep sequence coverage is preferable, we show that this approach can also provide valuable information when only low‐coverage (5×) sequence data is available. Our findings demonstrate the value of these methods for determination of relatedness in various animal populations, with diverse applications to conservation biology, evolutionary and ecological research and biomedical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Petty
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - H Michael Kubisch
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Muthuswamy Raveendran
- Human Genome Sequencing Center and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Alan Harris
- Human Genome Sequencing Center and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric J Vallender
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Chad D Huff
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rudolf P Bohm
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Human Genome Sequencing Center and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer E Below
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Garcia C, Bouret S, Druelle F, Prat S. Balancing costs and benefits in primates: ecological and palaeoanthropological views. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20190667. [PMID: 33423629 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the balance between costs and benefits is challenging for species living in complex and dynamic socio-ecological environments, such as primates, but also crucial for shaping life history, reproductive and feeding strategies. Indeed, individuals must decide to invest time and energy to obtain food, services and partners, with little direct feedback on the success of their investments. Whereas decision-making relies heavily upon cognition in humans, the extent to which it also involves cognition in other species, based on their environmental constraints, has remained a challenging question. Building mental representations relating behaviours and their long-term outcome could be critical for other primates, but there are actually very little data relating cognition to real socio-ecological challenges in extant and extinct primates. Here, we review available data illustrating how specific cognitive processes enable(d) modern primates and extinct hominins to manage multiple resources (e.g. food, partners) and to organize their behaviour in space and time, both at the individual and at the group level. We particularly focus on how they overcome fluctuating and competing demands, and select courses of action corresponding to the best possible packages of potential costs and benefits in reproductive and foraging contexts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Existence and prevalence of economic behaviours among non-human primates'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Garcia
- UMR 7206, CNRS-Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle-Université de Paris, CNRS-Musfum national d'Histoire naturelle-UPVD, Musée de l'Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Bouret
- Institut du Cerveau (ICM), CNRS UMR 7225-INSERM U1127-UPMC UMR S 1127, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière 47, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - François Druelle
- UMR 7194 (Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique), CNRS-Musfum national d'Histoire naturelle-UPVD, Musée de l'Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France.,Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Prat
- UMR 7194 (Histoire Naturelle de l'Homme Préhistorique), CNRS-Musfum national d'Histoire naturelle-UPVD, Musée de l'Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Machanda ZP, Rosati AG. Shifting sociality during primate ageing. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190620. [PMID: 32951557 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans exhibit major age-related shifts in social relationships along with changes in social and emotional psychological processes that underpin these behavioural shifts. Does social ageing in non-human primates follow similar patterns, and if so, what are the ultimate evolutionary consequences of these social shifts? Here we synthesize empirical evidence for shifts in social behaviour and underlying psychological processes across species. Focusing on three elements of social behaviour and cognition that are important for humans-propensities to engage with others, the positive versus negative valence of these interactions, and capabilities to influence others, we find evidence for wide variation in the trajectories of these characteristics across primates. Based on this, we identify potential modulators of the primate social ageing process, including social organization, sex and dominance status. Finally, we discuss how comparative research can contextualize human social ageing. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution of the primate ageing process'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra G Rosati
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lee DS, Mandalaywala TM, Dubuc C, Widdig A, Higham JP. Higher early life mortality with lower infant body mass in a free-ranging primate. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:2300-2310. [PMID: 32614977 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Traits that reflect the amount of energy allocated to offspring by mothers, such as infant body mass, are predicted to have long-lasting effects on offspring fitness. In very long-lived species, such as anthropoid primates, where long-lasting and obligate parental care is required for successful recruitment of offspring, there are few studies on the fitness implications of low body mass among infants. Using body mass data collected from 253 free-ranging rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta infants on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, we examined if lower infant body mass predicts lower chance of survival through to reproductive maturation (4th year of life). We also used data on inter-birth intervals and suckling behaviours to determine whether the duration of maternal care was adjusted to infant body mass. Rhesus macaque infants experienced on average 5% reduced hazard of death for an increase in body mass of 0.1 SD (~100 g) above the mean within their age-sex class. The positive association between body mass and early life survival was most pronounced in the 1st year of life. Infant body mass tended to be lower if mothers were young or old, but the link between infant body mass and early life survival remained after controlling for maternal age. This finding suggests that maternal effects on early life survival such as maternal age may act through their influence on infant body mass. Mothers of heavier infants were less likely to be delayed in subsequent reproduction, but the estimated association slightly overlapped with zero. The timing of the last week of suckling did not differ by infant body mass. Using infant body mass data that has been rarely available from free-ranging primates, our study provides comparative evidence to strengthen the existing body of literature on the fitness implications of variation in infant body mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Susie Lee
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tara M Mandalaywala
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Constance Dubuc
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anja Widdig
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA.,Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Negrey JD, Sandel AA, Langergraber KE. Dominance rank and the presence of sexually receptive females predict feces-measured body temperature in male chimpanzees. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020; 74:5. [PMID: 34079157 PMCID: PMC8168630 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2788-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying the costs of mating is key for understanding life-history trade-offs. As a reflection of metabolic rate, body temperature is one metric for assaying these costs. However, conventional methods for measuring body temperature are invasive and unsuitable for the study of free-living populations of endangered species, including great apes. A promising proxy for body temperature is fecal temperature, the internal temperature of fecal deposits shortly following defecation. We validated this method with humans, finding that maximum fecal temperature is a reliable proxy for rectal temperature. We then applied this method to wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. We collected and analyzed 101 fecal temperature measurements from 43 adult chimpanzees (male: N = 28; female: N = 15). Chimpanzee fecal temperature ranged from 33.4 to 38.9 °C, with a mean of 35.8 °C. Although fecal temperature was not predicted by sex, age, or ambient temperature, male fecal temperature was 1.1 °C higher on days when sexually receptive females were present and was positively correlated with male dominance rank. Post hoc analyses showed that overall copulation rates, but not aggression rates, were positively correlated with fecal temperature, suggesting that sexual physiology and behavior best explain mating-related temperature variation. Together, these results indicate fecal temperature is a reliable proxy for core body temperature in large-bodied mammals, captures metabolic costs associated with male mating behavior, and represents a valuable noninvasive tool for biological field research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D. Negrey
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Aaron A. Sandel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78705, USA
| | - Kevin E. Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change and Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, 900 S. Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kimock CM, Dubuc C, Brent LJN, Higham JP. Male morphological traits are heritable but do not predict reproductive success in a sexually-dimorphic primate. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19794. [PMID: 31874959 PMCID: PMC6930303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52633-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection favours traits that increase reproductive success via increased competitive ability, attractiveness, or both. Male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) morphological traits are likely to reflect the effects of multiple sexual selection pressures. Here, we use a quantitative genetic approach to investigate the production and maintenance of variation in male rhesus macaque morphometric traits which may be subject to sexual selection. We collected measurements of body size, canine length, and fat, from 125 male and 21 female free-ranging rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago. We also collected testis volumes from males. We used a genetic pedigree to calculate trait heritability, to investigate potential trait trade-offs, and to estimate selection gradients. We found that variation in most male morphometric traits was heritable, but found no evidence of trait trade-offs nor that traits predicted reproductive success. Our results suggest that male rhesus macaque morphometric traits are either not under selection, or are under mechanisms of sexual selection that we could not test (e.g. balancing selection). In species subject to complex interacting mechanisms of selection, measures of body size, weaponry, and testis volume may not increase reproductive success via easily-testable mechanisms such as linear directional selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Kimock
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Constance Dubuc
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren J N Brent
- Center for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - James P Higham
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Califf KJ, Green DS, Wagner AP, Scribner KT, Beatty K, Wagner ME, Holekamp KE. Genetic relatedness and space use in two populations of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena). J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Surprising social complexity and variability have recently been documented in several mammalian species once believed to be strictly solitary, and variation in resource abundance may drive this variation in sociality. Wagner et al. (Wagner, A. P., S. Creel, L. G. Frank, and S. T. Kalinowski. 2007. Patterns of relatedness and parentage in an asocial, polyandrous striped hyena population. Molecular Ecology 16:4356–4369) reported unusual space-use patterns among female striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in central Kenya, where pairwise relatedness among females increased with the geographic distance separating them. The authors suggested that this pattern, very rare among mammals, might reflect attempts by females to avoid competition with close relatives for scarce resources in areas of range overlap. Here, we compare those data to new data, documenting genetic relatedness and space use in a previously unstudied wild population of striped hyenas in southern Kenya. We tested hypotheses suggesting that resource abundance and population density affect patterns of genetic relatedness and geographic distance in this species. Our results suggest that higher per capita prey density results in relaxed competition for food, and greater social tolerance among female striped hyenas. A hypothesis suggesting lower population density in the southern population was not supported. Relaxed resource competition also may lead to female–female cooperation in the southern population; we documented for the first time behavioral evidence of den sharing by adult female striped hyenas. Our data indicate that different populations of this little-studied species exhibit behavioral plasticity; in this case, markedly different space-use patterns and patterns of spatial relatedness under different ecological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katy J Califf
- Department of Integrative Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, East Lansing, MI, USA (KJC, DSG, APW, KTS, KEH)
| | - David S Green
- Department of Integrative Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, East Lansing, MI, USA (KJC, DSG, APW, KTS, KEH)
| | - Aaron P Wagner
- Department of Integrative Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, East Lansing, MI, USA (KJC, DSG, APW, KTS, KEH)
- The BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, East Lansing, MI, USA (APW, KTS, KEH)
| | - Kim T Scribner
- Department of Integrative Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, East Lansing, MI, USA (KJC, DSG, APW, KTS, KEH)
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- The BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, East Lansing, MI, USA (APW, KTS, KEH)
| | - Karen Beatty
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Meredith E Wagner
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA (MEW)
| | - Kay E Holekamp
- Department of Integrative Biology and Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, East Lansing, MI, USA (KJC, DSG, APW, KTS, KEH)
- The BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, East Lansing, MI, USA (APW, KTS, KEH)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rox A, van Vliet AH, Sterck EHM, Langermans JAM, Louwerse AL. Factors determining male introduction success and long-term stability in captive rhesus macaques. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219972. [PMID: 31314795 PMCID: PMC6636842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The entrance of new males into non-human primate groups bears high social risk, yet migration is necessary to prevent inbreeding. Males are not always accepted in their new group. In the wild, males may increase the likelihood of successful group entry by choosing a new group based on their own and the group's characteristics. Understanding whether these characteristics also determine a male's ability to enter captive groups is crucial to improve introduction management. This study aims to identify which factors determine male introduction success (i.e. male stays in the group for at least 4 weeks) and long-term stability (i.e. the male does not cause considerable behavioural problems after success) after male introductions in captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), creating one-male groups. We studied 64 male introductions at the breeding colony of the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in Rijswijk, The Netherlands. 49 (77%) introductions were successful, with the male obtaining a long-term stable social position in the group in 38 (59%) introductions. Introductions of males that reached at least prime age, into groups with more adult females, but without pregnant females were most successful. Moreover, long-term stability was highest when males were heavier, were at least 3.5 years old when they were first removed from their natal group, and groups had few matrilines and no pregnant females were present. Males should be introduced at the time they would naturally immigrate, when they are strongest. Moreover, groups should consist of few large matrilines, as observed in the wild, with philoatric females and males that are removed at natural age. Our study highlights the importance of composing naturalistic groups and mimicking natural migration patterns to maintain long-term stable breeding groups in captivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Rox
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - André H. van Vliet
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth H. M. Sterck
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A. M. Langermans
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annet L. Louwerse
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Female social behaviour during three male introductions in captive groups of rhesus macaques. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
22
|
Rosati AG, Arre AM, Platt ML, Santos LR. Developmental shifts in social cognition: socio-emotional biases across the lifespan in rhesus monkeys. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
23
|
Ruiz-Lambides AV, Weiß BM, Kulik L, Widdig A. Which male and female characteristics influence the probability of extragroup paternities in rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta? Anim Behav 2018; 140:119-127. [PMID: 30455506 PMCID: PMC6238966 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Extragroup paternity (EGP) is found across a wide range of species and may entail reproductive benefits, but may also entail costs to both sexes. While population and group parameters affecting the degree of EGPs are relatively well established, less is known about the individual characteristics that make males and females engage in alternative reproductive tactics such as EGP. Applying a combination of long-term demographic and genetic data from the rhesus macaque population of Cayo Santiago (Puerto Rico, U.S.A.), we investigate which male and female characteristics influence the probability of EGP to better understand the circumstances that shape the distribution and occurrence of EGP. Our results show that, against our expectations, higher-ranking females were more likely to produce EGP offspring than lower- ranking females. The probability of producing extragroup offspring was not significantly related to female or male age, male tenure or previous reproductive success. Furthermore, genetic relatedness between the parents did not affect the production of extragroup offspring, but extragroup offspring were more frequently produced early rather than late in a given mating season. Altogether, our analysis suggests that individual attributes and seasonal aspects create different opportunities and preferences for engaging in EGP as an alternative reproductive tactic. The observed patterns of EGP in rhesus macaques appear to be consistent with female mate choice for genetic benefits, which needs to be confirmed in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina V. Ruiz-Lambides
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Cayo Santiago Field Station, Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico
| | - Brigitte M. Weiß
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lars Kulik
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Widdig
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Milich KM, Georgiev AV, Petersen RM, Emery Thompson M, Maestripieri D. Alpha male status and availability of conceptive females are associated with high glucocorticoid concentrations in high-ranking male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) during the mating season. Horm Behav 2018; 97:5-13. [PMID: 28954215 PMCID: PMC6180231 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between male mating opportunities, stress, and glucocorticoid concentrations is complicated by the fact that physiological stress and glucocorticoid concentrations can be influenced by dominance rank, group size, and the stability of the male dominance hierarchy, along with ecological factors. We studied the three highest-ranking males in nine different social groups within the same free-ranging population of rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, during the mating season, to examine variation in glucocorticoid concentrations in relation to number of females that conceived each month, alpha status, number of adult males in a group, and male rank hierarchy stability. We found that glucocorticoid concentrations were highest in the early mating season period when more females conceived in each group and declined linearly as the mating season progressed and the number of conceptive females decreased. Alpha males had significantly higher mean monthly glucocorticoid concentrations than other high-ranking males throughout the study period. Male age, number of adult males in a group, and hierarchy stability were not significantly associated with glucocorticoid concentrations. Our findings suggest that alpha males may experience significantly higher levels of physiological stress than their immediate subordinates and that this stress coincides with the period of the mating season when most conceptions occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Milich
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, USA; Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
| | - Alexander V Georgiev
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Petersdorf M, Dubuc C, Georgiev AV, Winters S, Higham JP. Is male rhesus macaque facial coloration under intrasexual selection? Behav Ecol 2017; 28:1472-1481. [PMID: 29622929 PMCID: PMC5872909 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exaggerated male traits can evolve under intra- or intersexual selection, but it remains less clear how often both mechanisms act together on trait evolution. While the males of many anthropoid primate species exhibit colorful signals that appear to be badges of status under intrasexual selection, the red facial coloration of male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) appears to have evolved primarily under intersexual selection and female mate choice. Nonetheless, experiments show that red color is salient to males, raising the question of whether the signal may also be under intrasexual selection. Here, we examine whether males express this signal more strongly in competitive contexts. Facial images were collected on all 15 adult males of a free-ranging social group during the peak of the mating season, and coloration was quantified using visual models. Results show that males more similar in facial redness were more likely to interact aggressively than more dissimilar ones, suggesting that color may be involved in the assessment of rivals. Furthermore, males exhibited darker coloration on days they were observed copulating, and dominance rank predicted facial redness only on copulating days, suggesting that coloration may also advertise motivation to defend a mate. Male rhesus macaque facial coloration may thus mediate agonistic interactions with rivals during competition over reproductive opportunities, such that it is under both inter- and intrasexual selection. However, color differences were small, raising perceptibility questions. It remains possible that color variation reflects differences in male condition, which in turn alter investment towards male-male competition and mating effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Petersdorf
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl, New York,
NY 10003, USA
| | - Constance Dubuc
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl, New York,
NY 10003, USA
| | - Alexander V Georgiev
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, 940 E 57th St,
Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor,
Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Sandra Winters
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl, New York,
NY 10003, USA
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl, New York,
NY 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Teichroeb JA, Jack KM. Alpha male replacements in nonhuman primates: Variability in processes, outcomes, and terminology. Am J Primatol 2017; 79. [PMID: 28543783 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpha male replacements occur in all primates displaying a dominance hierarchy but the process can be extremely variable. Here, we review the primate literature to document differences in patterns of alpha male replacements, showing that group composition and dispersal patterns account for a large proportion of this variability. We also examine the consequences of alpha male replacements in terms of sexual selection theory, infanticide, and group compositions. Though alpha male replacements are often called takeovers in the literature, this term masks much of the variation that is present in these processes. We argue for more concise terminology and provide a list of terms that we suggest more accurately define these events. Finally, we introduce the papers in this special issue on alpha male replacements in the American Journal of Primatology and discuss areas where data are still lacking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Teichroeb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katharine M Jack
- Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Colagross-Schouten A, Lemoy MJ, Keesler RI, Lissner E, VandeVoort CA. The contraceptive efficacy of intravas injection of Vasalgel™ for adult male rhesus monkeys. Basic Clin Androl 2017; 27:4. [PMID: 28191316 PMCID: PMC5294830 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-017-0048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Options for male contraception are limited. The purpose of this study was to use a nonhuman primate model to evaluate Vasalgel™, a high molecular weight polymer being developed as a contraceptive device for men. Methods Sixteen adult male rhesus monkeys received intravas injections of Vasalgel, consisting of 25% styrene maleic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide. After a one-week recovery, males were returned to outdoor group housing, which included at least 3 and up to 9 intact, breeding females with a successful reproductive history. Results Treated males have had no conceptions since Vasalgel injections. All males were housed with intact females for at least one breeding season and seven have been almost continually housed with females for 2 years. Complications were minor and included one incident of incorrect placement of Vasalgel into the vas deferens and the development of a sperm granuloma in one animal. Three unilateral vasectomies were performed, one was necessary for incorrect placement of Vasalgel, the other two were elective. Conclusions Intravas injection of Vasalgel in sexually mature adult male rhesus monkeys was effective in preventing conception in a free-living, group environment. Complications were few and similar to those associated with traditional vasectomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Colagross-Schouten
- California National Primate Research, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Marie-Josee Lemoy
- California National Primate Research, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Rebekah I Keesler
- California National Primate Research, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Elaine Lissner
- Parsemus Foundation, PO Box 2246, Berkeley, CA 94702 USA
| | - Catherine A VandeVoort
- California National Primate Research, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616 USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Weiß BM, Kulik L, Ruiz-Lambides AV, Widdig A. Individual dispersal decisions affect fitness via maternal rank effects in male rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32212. [PMID: 27576465 PMCID: PMC5006056 DOI: 10.1038/srep32212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Natal dispersal may have considerable social, ecological and evolutionary consequences. While species-specific dispersal strategies have received much attention, individual variation in dispersal decisions and its fitness consequences remain poorly understood. We investigated causes and consequences of natal dispersal age in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a species with male dispersal. Using long-term demographic and genetic data from a semi-free ranging population on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, we analysed how the social environment such as maternal family, group and population characteristics affected the age at which males leave their natal group. While natal dispersal age was unrelated to most measures of group or population structure, our study confirmed earlier findings that sons of high-ranking mothers dispersed later than sons of low-ranking ones. Natal dispersal age did not affect males’ subsequent survival, but males dispersing later were more likely to reproduce. Late dispersers were likely to start reproducing while still residing in their natal group, frequently produced extra-group offspring before natal dispersal and subsequently dispersed to the group in which they had fathered offspring more likely than expected. Hence, the timing of natal dispersal was affected by maternal rank and influenced male reproduction, which, in turn affected which group males dispersed to.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte M Weiß
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany.,Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
| | - Lars Kulik
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany.,Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
| | - Angelina V Ruiz-Lambides
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany.,Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany.,Caribbean Primate Research Center Cayo Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, USA
| | - Anja Widdig
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Germany.,Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Setchell JM, Richards SA, Abbott KM, Knapp LA. Mate-guarding by male mandrills ( Mandrillus sphinx) is associated with female MHC genotype. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
30
|
Georgiev A, Christie D, Rosenfield K, Ruiz-Lambides A, Maldonado E, Emery Thompson M, Maestripieri D. Breaking the succession rule: the costs and benefits of an alpha-status take-over by an immigrant rhesus macaque on Cayo Santiago. BEHAVIOUR 2016. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Explaining intraspecific variation in reproductive tactics hinges on measuring associated costs and benefits. Yet, this is difficult if alternative (purportedly less optimal) tactics remain unobserved. We describe a rare alpha-position take-over by an immigrant male rhesus macaque in a population where males typically gain rank via succession. Unusually, male aggressiveness after the take-over correlated with rank and mating success. The new alpha achieved the highest mating and reproductive success. Nevertheless, he sired only 4 infants due to high extra-group paternity (59.3%). The costs of his immigration tactic were high: after the mating season ended, unable to deter coalitionary attacks by resident males, he was overthrown. The following year he had the highest relative annual weight loss and levels of immune activation among males in the group. Succession-based rank-acquisition in large, provisioned groups of macaques thus appears to be actively maintained by resident males, who impose high costs on challengers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Georgiev
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, 940 E57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Diana Christie
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, 1321 Kincaid Street, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Kevin A. Rosenfield
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK
| | - Angelina V. Ruiz-Lambides
- Caribbean Primate Research Center–Cayo Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, PR 00741, Puerto Rico
| | - Elizabeth Maldonado
- Caribbean Primate Research Center–Cayo Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, PR 00741, Puerto Rico
| | - Melissa Emery Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 500 University Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, 940 E57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Langos D, Kulik L, Ruiz-Lambides A, Widdig A. Does Male Care, Provided to Immature Individuals, Influence Immature Fitness in Rhesus Macaques? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137841. [PMID: 26367536 PMCID: PMC4569174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Among many mammals, maternal care strongly impacts infant survival; however, less is known about whether adult males also affect infant fitness. Paternal care is expected when providing care enhances offspring survival and reproduction, which likewise increases fathers' fitness. Males might also care for unrelated immature individuals to increase their mating probability with the immature individuals' mothers. Studies in multimale primate groups showed that sires enhance food access for offspring and provide protection in conflicts. Furthermore, fathers' presence during infancy has been suggested to accelerate offspring sexual maturation. However, no study has yet directly linked the degree of father-offspring bonds to offspring fitness in primates. We previously reported father-offspring affiliation in rhesus macaques, pronounced during early infancy and independent of mothers' presence. The present study aims at investigating whether affiliation with fathers or other males affects proxies of immature fitness (body mass gain, body fat and testis size). First, we combined behavioral, genetic and morphometric data from 55 subjects of one group. Second, using demographic and genetic data, we investigated for 92 individuals of the population whether mother- and father-offspring co-residence during immaturity influenced offspring lifetime reproductive success (LRS). Our results show that focal rank and higher amounts of affiliation with high-ranking males during infancy tend to positively impact body mass gain of female, but not male focal animals. In contrast, body mass gain of male focal individuals, but not females', appeared to be higher when affiliation of male immature individuals was evenly distributed across their adult male partners. Moreover, we found mothers', but not fathers', presence during immaturity to predict offspring LRS. Our results suggest that male-immature affiliation, but not father-offspring co-residence, potentially impacts proxies of immature fitness. However, future studies should investigate the underlying mechanisms of male-immature relationships and their impact on immature fitness in more detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Langos
- Junior Research Group of ‘Primate Kin Selection’, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lars Kulik
- Junior Research Group of ‘Primate Kin Selection’, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Angelina Ruiz-Lambides
- Junior Research Group of ‘Primate Kin Selection’, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 906, Punta Santiago, PR, 00741, United States of America
| | - Anja Widdig
- Junior Research Group of ‘Primate Kin Selection’, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Widdig A, Kessler MJ, Bercovitch FB, Berard JD, Duggleby C, Nürnberg P, Rawlins RG, Sauermann U, Wang Q, Krawczak M, Schmidtke J. Genetic studies on the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques: A review of 40 years of research. Am J Primatol 2015; 78:44-62. [PMID: 26031601 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies not only contribute substantially to our current understanding of the natural variation in behavior and health in many species, they also provide the basis of numerous in vivo models of human traits. Despite the many challenges posed by the high level of biological and social complexity, a long lifespan and difficult access in the field, genetic studies of primates are particularly rewarding because of the close evolutionary relatedness of these species to humans. The free-ranging rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) population on Cayo Santiago (CS), Puerto Rico, provides a unique resource in this respect because several of the abovementioned caveats are of either minor importance there, or lacking altogether, thereby allowing long-term genetic research in a primate population under constant surveillance since 1956. This review summarizes more than 40 years of genetic research carried out on CS, from early blood group typing and the genetic characterization of skeletal material via population-wide paternity testing with DNA fingerprints and short tandem repeats (STRs) to the analysis of the highly polymorphic DQB1 locus within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The results of the paternity studies also facilitated subsequent studies of male dominance and other factors influencing male reproductive success, of male reproductive skew, paternal kin bias, and mechanisms of paternal kin recognition. More recently, the CS macaques have been the subjects of functional genetic and gene expression analyses and have played an important role in behavioral and quantitative genetic studies. In addition, the CS colony has been used as a natural model for human adult-onset macular degeneration, glaucoma, and circadian rhythm disorder. Our review finishes off with a discussion of potential future directions of research on CS, including the transition from STRs to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing and whole genome sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Widdig
- Research Group of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico
| | - Matthew J Kessler
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico.,Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Fred B Bercovitch
- Primate Research Institute & Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - John D Berard
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, North Hills, California
| | - Christine Duggleby
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
| | - Richard G Rawlins
- Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico
| | - Ulrike Sauermann
- Unit of Infection Models, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg Schmidtke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhdanova IV, Rogers J, González-Martínez J, Farrer LA. The ticking clock of Cayo Santiago macaques and its implications for understanding human circadian rhythm disorders. Am J Primatol 2015; 78:117-26. [PMID: 25940511 PMCID: PMC4851432 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock disorders in humans remain poorly understood. However, their impact on the development and progression of major human conditions, from cancer to insomnia, metabolic or mental illness becomes increasingly apparent. Addressing human circadian disorders in animal models is, in part, complicated by inverse temporal relationship between the core clock and specific physiological or behavioral processes in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Major advantages of a macaque model for translational circadian research, as a diurnal vertebrate phylogenetically close to humans, are further emphasized by the discovery of the first familial circadian disorder in non‐human primates among the rhesus monkeys originating from Cayo Santiago. The remarkable similarity of their pathological phenotypes to human Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), high penetrance of the disorder within one branch of the colony and the large number of animals available provide outstanding opportunities for studying the mechanisms of circadian disorders, their impact on other pathological conditions, and for the development of novel and effective treatment strategies. Am. J. Primatol. 78:117–126, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Zhdanova
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Deptartment of Molecular and Human Genetics, Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Neurology, Ophthalmology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Curren L, Linden D, Heinen V, McGuire M, Holekamp K. The functions of male–male aggression in a female-dominated mammalian society. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
35
|
Girard-Buttoz C, Heistermann M, Rahmi E, Agil M, Ahmad Fauzan P, Engelhardt A. Androgen correlates of male reproductive effort in wild male long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis): A multi-level test of the challenge hypothesis. Physiol Behav 2015; 141:143-53. [PMID: 25596329 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The challenge hypothesis (Wingfield et al., 1990) has been broadly utilised as a conceptual framework to study male androgen correlates of reproductive challenges in mammals. These studies mainly assessed male androgen responsiveness to a general degree of challenge over extended periods of time. Short term co-variation between the socio-sexual challenging context and androgen levels remains, however, largely understudied. We thus aim at providing a multi-level test of the challenge hypothesis by investigating the inter- and intra-individual variations in faecal androgen excretion associated to 1) breeding seasonality, 2) dominance rank, 3) mate-guarding activity and 4) value of the guarded female. We studied long-tailed macaques, a species in which males engage in highly challenging monopolisation of females over discreet periods of time. This particularity allows testing specifically the predicted increase from level B to level C in the challenge hypothesis. The study was carried out during two reproductive seasons on three groups of wild long-tailed macaques. We combined behavioural observations and non-invasive measurements of faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) levels. We found that, as predicted by the challenge hypothesis, male long-tailed macaques respond not only to seasonal but also to short term reproductive challenges by adapting their androgen levels. First, males exhibited a seasonal rise in fAM levels during the mating period which may be triggered by fruit availability as shown by our phenological data. Second, males had increased androgen levels when mate-guarding females and, across mate-guarding periods, males had higher fAM levels when monopolising high-ranking parous females than when monopolising low-ranking ones. Finally, high-ranking males had higher fAM levels than low-ranking males year round. Our study confirms that, in species with a high degree of female monopolisability, androgen may be an important physiological fitness enhancing tool for males by increasing female monopolisation efficiency (in particular with highly valuable females) and helping males to respond to rank take-over challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Girard-Buttoz
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany.
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Erdiansyah Rahmi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Panji Ahmad Fauzan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Antje Engelhardt
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Establishment of a microsatellite set for noninvasive paternity testing in free-ranging Macaca mulatta tcheliensis in Mount Taihangshan area, Jiyuan, China. Zool Stud 2015; 54:e8. [PMID: 31966095 DOI: 10.1186/s40555-014-0100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within multi-male and multi-female mammalian societies, paternity assignment is crucial for evaluating male reproductive success, dominance hierarchy, and inbreeding avoidance. It is, however, difficult to determine paternity because of female promiscuity during reproduction. Noninvasive molecular techniques (e.g., fecal DNA) make it possible to match the genetic father to his offspring. In the current study, a troop of free-ranging Taihangshan macaques (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis) in Mt. Taihangshan area, Jiyuan, China, was selected for studying the paternity. We successfully screened a set of microsatellite loci from fecal DNA and evaluated the efficiency of these loci for paternity testing using clearly recorded data of maternity. RESULTS The results showed that: 1) ten loci out of 18 candidate microsatellite loci were amplified successfully in the fecal samples of Taihangshan macaques. The error probability in maternity assignments and paternity testing was very low as indicated by their power of discrimination (0.70 to 0.95), power of exclusion (0.43 to 0.84), and the values of polymorphic information content ranging from 0.52 to 0.82; 2) the combined probability of exclusion in paternity testing for ten qualified loci was as high as 99.999%, and the combined probability of exclusion reached 99.99% when the seven most polymorphic loci were adopted; 3) the offspring were assigned to their biological mother correctly and also matched with their genetic father. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the ten polymorphic microsatellite loci, especially a core set of seven most polymorphic loci, provided an effective and reliable tool for noninvasive paternity testing in free-ranging rhesus macaques.
Collapse
|
37
|
Dubuc C, Winters S, Allen WL, Brent LJN, Cascio J, Maestripieri D, Ruiz-Lambides AV, Widdig A, Higham JP. Sexually selected skin colour is heritable and related to fecundity in a non-human primate. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20141602. [PMID: 25253459 PMCID: PMC4211451 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection promotes the prevalence of heritable traits that increase an individual's reproductive rate. Despite theoretically strong directional selection, sexually selected traits can show inter-individual variation. Here, we investigate whether red skin ornamentation, a rare example of a male mammalian trait involved in mate attraction, influences fecundity and is heritable in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), and explore the mechanisms that are involved in maintaining trait variation. Interestingly, the trait is expressed by and is attractive to both sexes. We collected facial images of 266 free-ranging individuals and modelled skin redness and darkness to rhesus macaque vision. We used 20 years of genetic parentage data to calculate selection gradients on the trait and perform heritability analyses. Results show that males who were both darkly coloured and high-ranking enjoyed higher fecundity. Female skin redness was positively linked to fecundity, although it remains unclear whether this influences male selectiveness. Heritability explained 10-15% of the variation in redness and darkness, and up to 30% for skin darkness when sexes are considered separately, suggesting sex-influenced inheritance. Our results suggest that inter-individual variation is maintained through condition-dependence, with an added effect of balancing selection on male skin darkness, providing rare evidence for a mammalian trait selected through inter-sexual selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dubuc
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Sandra Winters
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - William L Allen
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Lauren J N Brent
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Julie Cascio
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA Department of Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Angelina V Ruiz-Lambides
- Cayo Santiago, Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 906, Punta Santiago, PR 00741, USA Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Anja Widdig
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig 04103, Germany Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - James P Higham
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tian J, Wang B, Wang Z, Liu J, Lu J. Effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio in Macaca mulatta in Mount Taihangshan area. Integr Zool 2014; 10:199-206. [PMID: 25315996 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sex allocation theory predicts the optimal investment to male and female offspring. However, a biased sex ratio requires explanations as to why the deviation occurs. Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most widely distributed nonhuman primate species and the Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis) occupies the northern limit of all rhesus macaque natural populations worldwide. We observed one macaque troop (Wangwu-1 [WW-1]) inhabiting Taihangshan Macaque National Nature Reserve and recorded all birth events and the sex of newborn macaques from 2004 to 2013. Our aim was to apply the Trivers-Willard hypothesis to this free-ranging rhesus macaque troop, and to understand the relationship between climatic parameters (precipitation and temperature) and birth sex ratio. We found that the total newborn macaques showed a female-biased sex ratio at birth in the WW-1 troop, but there were no significant biased birth sex ratios in all matriarchs and in high-ranking and middle-ranking matrilineal units. However, the low-ranking macaque matrilineal unit was significantly female-biased. Moreover, we found that the annual precipitation of the previous year was positively associated with the birth sex ratio, and there was an interactive effect of troop size and current winter temperature on the birth sex ratio. The underlying mechanisms for the effects of social and climatic factors on birth sex ratio could be complex, and we discuss several plausible explanations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jundong Tian
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Girard-Buttoz C, Heistermann M, Rahmi E, Agil M, Fauzan PA, Engelhardt A. Costs of mate-guarding in wild male long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis): physiological stress and aggression. Horm Behav 2014; 66:637-48. [PMID: 25236888 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mate-guarding is an important determinant of male reproductive success in a number of species. However, it is known to potentially incur costs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of mate-guarding on male physiological stress and aggression in long-tailed macaques, a species in which males mate-guard females to a lesser extent than predicted by the Priority of Access model (PoA). The study was carried out during two mating periods on three groups of wild long-tailed macaques in Indonesia by combining behavioral observations with non-invasive measurements of fecal glucocorticoid (fGC) levels. Mate-guarding was associated with a general rise in male stress hormone levels but, from a certain threshold of mate-guarding onwards, increased vigilance time was associated with a decrease in stress hormone output. Mate-guarding also increased male-male aggression rate and male vigilance time. Overall, alpha males were more physiologically stressed than other males independently of mating competition. Increased glucocorticoid levels during mate-guarding are most likely adaptive since it may help males to mobilize extra-energy required for mate-guarding and ultimately maintain a balanced energetic status. However, repeated exposure to high levels of stress over an extended period is potentially deleterious to the immune system and thus may carry costs. This potential physiological cost together with the cost of increased aggression mate-guarding male face may limit the male's ability to mate-guard females, explaining the deviance from the PoA model observed in long-tailed macaques. Comparing our results to previous findings we discuss how ecological factors, reproductive seasonality and rank achievement may modulate the extent to which costs of mate-guarding limit male monopolization abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Girard-Buttoz
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany.
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Erdiansyah Rahmi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Panji Ahmad Fauzan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Antje Engelhardt
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Georgiev AV, Russell AF, Emery Thompson M, Otali E, Muller MN, Wrangham RW. The Foraging Costs of Mating Effort in Male Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). INT J PRIMATOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-014-9788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
41
|
Higham JP, Maestripieri D. The Costs of Reproductive Success in Male Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago. INT J PRIMATOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-014-9789-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
42
|
Dubuc C, Ruiz-Lambides A, Widdig A. Variance in male lifetime reproductive success and estimation of the degree of polygyny in a primate. Behav Ecol 2014; 25:878-889. [PMID: 25024637 PMCID: PMC4095946 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/aru052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree of polygyny is predicted to influence the strength of direct male-male competition, leading to a high variance in male lifetime reproductive success and to reproduction limited to the prime period of adulthood. Here, we explore the variance in male lifetime reproductive success and reproductive time in an anthropoid primate forming multimale-multifemale groups. Males of this species form dominance hierarchies, which are expected to skew reproduction toward few high-ranking males. At the same time, however, females mate with multiple males (polygynandry), which should limit the degree of polygyny. Using 20 years of genetic and demographic data, we calculated lifetime reproductive success for the free-ranging rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) population of Cayo Santiago for subjects that died naturally or reached senescence. Our results show that 1) male lifetime reproductive success was significantly skewed (range: 0-47 offspring; males reproducing below average: 62.8%; nonbreeders: 17.4%), 2) variance in male lifetime reproductive success was 5 times larger than in females, and 3) male lifetime reproductive success was more influenced by variation in fecundity (60%) than longevity (25%), suggesting that some direct male-male competition takes place. However, the opportunity for selection (i.e., standardized variance in male lifetime reproductive success) is low compared with that in other large mammal species characterized by a high degree of polygyny. Moreover, male reproductive life extended much beyond the prime period, showing that physical strength was not required to acquire mates. We conclude that rhesus macaques exhibit a moderate degree of polygyny and, therefore, low levels of direct male-male competition for fertile females, despite the fact that males form linear dominance hierarchies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dubuc
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology , Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig , Germany , ; Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University , 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003 , USA
| | - Angelina Ruiz-Lambides
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology , Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig , Germany , ; Cayo Santiago, Caribbean Primate Research Center, University of Puerto Rico , PO Box 306, Punta Santiago, PR 00741 , USA , and
| | - Anja Widdig
- Junior Research Group of Primate Kin Selection, Department of Primatology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology , Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig , Germany , ; Research Group of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig , Talstrasse 33, 04103 Leipzig , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Girard-Buttoz C, Heistermann M, Rahmi E, Agil M, Fauzan PA, Engelhardt A. Costs of and Investment in Mate-Guarding in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques ( Macaca fascicularis): Influences of Female Characteristics and Male-Female Social Bonds. INT J PRIMATOL 2014; 35:701-724. [PMID: 25152554 PMCID: PMC4129240 DOI: 10.1007/s10764-014-9775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Male primates living in multimale groups tend to direct mate and mate-guarding choices toward females of high reproductive value, i.e., high-ranking, parous females, or females with which they share strong bonds. Little is known, however, about the constraints that may limit male mate-guarding choices (the costs of this behavior) and the influence of the females’ quality on male investment in mate-guarding. We aimed to study the effects of female rank, parity status, and male–female social bond strength on the costs of and investment in mate-guarding by males. We carried out our study during two reproductive seasons on three groups of wild long-tailed macaques in Indonesia. We combined behavioral observations on male locomotion and activity with noninvasive measurements of fecal glucocorticoids (fGC). Males spent less time feeding when mate-guarding nulliparous females than when mate-guarding parous females and tended to have higher fGC levels when mate-guarding low-ranking nulliparous females than when mate-guarding high-ranking nulliparous ones. Evolution should thus favor male choice for high-ranking parous females because such a decision brings benefits at proximate (reduced costs of mate-guarding) and ultimate (higher reproductive value) levels. Further, male investment in mate-guarding was flexible and contingent on female reproductive and social value. Males were more vigilant and more aggressive toward other males when mate-guarding females to which they were strongly bonded and/or high-ranking ones than when mate-guarding other females. Our findings bring a new dimension to the study of mate choice by showing that males not only mate preferentially with high-quality females but may also aim to secure paternity with these females through optimized monopolization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Girard-Buttoz
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Erdiansyah Rahmi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Panji Ahmad Fauzan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Antje Engelhardt
- Jr. Research Group Primate Sexual Selection, German Primate Centre, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ; Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Georg-August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
|
46
|
Tennenhouse EM. Inbreeding Avoidance in Male Primates: A Response to Female Mate Choice? Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
47
|
Rakhovskaya MV. Correlates of Male Consortship Rate in Free-Ranging Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta). INT J PRIMATOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-013-9686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
48
|
TIAN JUNDONG, WANG ZHENLONG, LU JIQI, WANG BAISHI, CHEN JURONG. Reproductive Parameters of FemaleMacaca mulatta tcheliensisin the Temperate Forest of Mount Taihangshan, Jiyuan, China. Am J Primatol 2013; 75:605-12. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JUN-DONG TIAN
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou; China
| | - ZHEN-LONG WANG
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou; China
| | - JI-QI LU
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou; China
| | - BAI-SHI WANG
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou; China
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dubuc C, Muniz L, Heistermann M, Widdig A, Engelhardt A. Do males time their mate-guarding effort with the fertile phase in order to secure fertilisation in Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques? Horm Behav 2012; 61:696-705. [PMID: 22449655 PMCID: PMC3559102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to most mammalian species, female sexual activity is not limited to the fertile phase of the ovarian cycle in anthropoid primates, which has long been proposed to conceal the timing of ovulation to males. It is now generally believed that females are still most attractive during the fertile phase, leading to high-ranking males successfully mate-guarding them specifically during this period. While studies conducted in species exhibiting exaggerated sexual swellings (probabilistic signal of the fertile phase) have generally supported this hypothesis, mixed support comes from others. Here, we investigated whether high-ranking males timed mate-guarding effort towards female fertile phases in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). In this species, adult females do not exhibit sexual swellings, but undergo facial skin colour variation, an alternative oestrogen-dependent graded-signal of female reproductive status. We collected behavioural, hormonal and genetic paternity data during two mating seasons for one group of the free-ranging population of Cayo Santiago. Our results show that mate-guarding by top-ranking males did not completely cover the entire female fertile phase and that this tactic accounted for only 30-40% of all fertilisations observed. Males tended to prolong mate-guarding into the luteal phase (null probability of fertilisation), which mirrors the pattern of male attraction to female facial colour reported in an earlier study. These findings suggest that males may have limited knowledge regarding the exact timing of females' fertile phase in rhesus macaques, which presumably allows females to gain more control over reproduction relative to other anthropoid primate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dubuc
- Junior Research Group of Primate Sexual Selection, Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kubisch HM, Falkenstein KP, Deroche CB, Franke DE. Reproductive efficiency of captive Chinese- and Indian-origin rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) females. Am J Primatol 2012; 74:174-84. [PMID: 22512021 PMCID: PMC3335760 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.21019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive and survival records (n=2,913) from 313 Chinese-origin and 365 Indian-derived rhesus macaques at the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) spanning three generations were studied. Least-squares analysis of variance procedures were used to compare reproductive and infant survival traits while proportional hazards regression procedures were used to study female age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from last birth to death. Chinese females were older at first parturition than Indian females because they were older when placed with males, but the two subspecies had similar first postpartum birth interval (1st PPBI) and lifetime postpartum birth interval (LPPBI). Females that gave birth to stillborn infants had shorter first postpartum birth intervals (1st PPBI) than females giving birth to live infants. Postpartum birth intervals decreased in females from age 3 to 12 but then increased again with advancing age. Chinese infants had a greater survival rate than Indian infants at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year of age. Five hundred and forty-three females (80.01%) had uncensored, or true records for age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from the birth until death whereas 135 females (19.91%) had censored records for these traits. Low- and high-uncensored observations for age at death were 3 and 26 years for Chinese, and 3 and 23 years for Indian females. Uncensored number of infants born per female ranged from 1 to 15 for Chinese females and 1 to 18 for Indian females. Each of these traits was significantly influenced by the origin×generation interaction in the proportional hazards regression analyses, indicating that probabilities associated with age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from last birth to death for Chinese and Indian females did not rank the same across generations.
Collapse
|