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Petersdorf M, Weyher AH, Heistermann M, Gunson JL, Govaerts A, Siame S, Mustill RL, Hillegas ME, Winters S, Dubuc C, Higham JP. Multimodal sexual signals are not precise indicators of fertility in female Kinda baboons. Horm Behav 2024; 165:105632. [PMID: 39244874 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Female fertility signals are found across taxa, and the precision of such signals may be influenced by the relative strength of different sexual selection mechanisms. Among primates, more precise signals may be found in species with stronger direct male-male competition and indirect female mate choice, and less precise signals in species with stronger indirect male-male competition (e.g. sperm competition) and direct female mate choice. We tested this hypothesis in a wild population of Kinda baboons in Zambia, combining data on female signals with reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone metabolites) and intra- and inter-cycle fertility. We predicted that Kinda baboons will exhibit less precise fertility signals than other baboon species, as they experience weaker direct and stronger indirect male-male competition. The frequency of copulation calls and proceptive behavior did not vary with hormones or intra- or inter-cycle fertility in almost all models. Sexual swelling size was predicted by the ratio of estrogen to progesterone metabolites, and was largest in the fertile phase, but differences in size across days were small. Additionally, there was variability in the timing of ovulation relative to the day of sexual swelling detumescence across cycles and swelling size did not vary with inter-cycle fertility. Our results suggest that female Kinda baboon sexual swellings are less precise indicators of fertility compared to other baboon species, while signals in other modalities do not reflect variation in intra- and inter-cycle fertility. Female Kinda baboon sexual signals may have evolved as a strategy to reduce male monopolizability, allowing for more female control over reproduction by direct mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Petersdorf
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States.
| | - Anna H Weyher
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany.
| | - Jessica L Gunson
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States.
| | - Alison Govaerts
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Simon Siame
- Kasanka National Park, P.O. Box 850073, Serenje, Zambia
| | - Ruby L Mustill
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States; Department of Anthropology, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, Schermerhorn Extension, New York, NY 10027, United States.
| | - Madison E Hillegas
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States.
| | - Sandra Winters
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Constance Dubuc
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10003, United States.
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Moreira LAA, Merrigan-Johnson C, Fetherstonhaugh L, Parr NA, Higham JP, Melin AD. Assessing color cues of development, breeding status and reproductive condition in captive golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia). Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23543. [PMID: 37560915 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Color signals play an important role in intraspecific communication and are well studied in catarrhine primates, which exhibit uniform trichromatic vision that is well suited to detecting such signals. Platyrrhine primates exhibit polymorphic color vision with different individuals possessing different color vision types in most species. Intriguingly, some platyrrhine species exhibit bare faces, which are convergent with those of catarrhines. However, putative functions of bare-faced color signals in platyrrhines remain largely unexplored. We measured facial skin color of five captive golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) using color-calibrated digital photography and modeled these colors to the visual systems of the species. Our results show that facial coloration is different between infant and older adults and varies across reproductive condition, but not between breeding and nonbreeding adults. While preliminary, our study suggests that facial coloration may be involved in sociosexual signaling in golden lion tamarins, and provides intriguing evidence that we hope might stimulate more studies of bare-faced signaling in platyrrhines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais A A Moreira
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | | | - Nigel A Parr
- Department of Wildlife Care, Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Canada
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Moreira LAA, Watsa M, Erkenswick G, Higham JP, Melin AD. Evaluating genital skin color as a putative sexual signal in wild saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarins. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23456. [PMID: 36437549 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coevolution between signalers and receivers has played a significant role in the diversity of animal signals and sensory systems. Platyrrhines (monkeys in the Americas) exhibit a remarkable color vision polymorphism that may have been selected by both natural and sexual selection, but sociosexual color signaling among platyrrhines has received almost no attention. Here, we study the color of reproductive skin among different reproductive classes in free-ranging female saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarins, modeling color spaces, and contrasts for the different visual systems. We find that the chromatic saturation and luminance of genital color vary between reproductive classes in saddleback tamarins. Chromatic contrast between the vulva and belly is lower in the parous females (PFs) relative to adult but not currently breeding females, while achromatic contrast is higher in PFs in saddleback tamarins relative to nonparous females. However, in emperor tamarins, genital color (saturation, hue, and luminance) does not vary between reproductive classes. Overall, genital skin color variation is present in tamarins and may play a role in sexual signaling. Nevertheless, the patterns are inconsistent between species, suggesting interspecific variation. Future studies should integrate the perceiver's behavioral responses and the physical and social signaling environments into comprehensive studies of communication as well as consider the role and interaction between multiple sensory modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais A A Moreira
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mrinalini Watsa
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California, USA.,Field Projects International, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gideon Erkenswick
- Field Projects International, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Missouri St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Moreira LAA, Duytschaever G, Higham JP, Melin AD. Platyrrhine color signals: New horizons to pursue. Evol Anthropol 2019; 28:236-248. [PMID: 31609040 PMCID: PMC6865018 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Like catarrhines, some platyrrhines show exposed and reddish skin, raising the possibility that reddish signals have evolved convergently. This variation in skin exposure and color combined with sex-linked polymorphic color vision in platyrrhines presents a unique, and yet underexplored, opportunity to investigate the relative importance of chromatic versus achromatic signals, the influence of color perception on signal evolution, and to understand primate communication broadly. By coding the facial skin exposure and color of 96 platyrrhines, 28 catarrhines, 7 strepsirrhines, 1 tarsiiform, and 13 nonprimates, and by simulating the ancestral character states for these traits, we provide the first analysis of the distribution and evolution of facial skin exposure and color in platyrrhini. We highlight ways in which studying the presence and use of color signals by platyrrhines and other primates will enhance our understanding of the evolution of color signals, and the forces shaping color vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís A. A. Moreira
- Department of Anthropology & ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Gwen Duytschaever
- Department of Anthropology & ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | | | - Amanda D. Melin
- Department of Anthropology & ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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