Female Influences on Pair Formation, Reproduction and Male Stress Responses in a Monogamous Cavy (Galea monasteriensis)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2008
Abstract
We examined the possible existence of, and female contributions to, pair bonds, as well as the relation of social preference to mating selectivity, in a recently identified wild guinea pig, the Muenster yellow-toothed cavy (Galea monasteriensis). In Experiment 1, females housed for ∼20 days in an apparatus in which they could choose to approach and interact with unfamiliar males typically exhibited a robust preference for one of two available males. DNA fingerprinting revealed a strong association between female choice and paternity. Experiment 2 examined the influence of the removal and return of the female on male plasma cortisol levels and behavior in established breeding pairs. A 2-h period of separation in the home enclosure elevated male cortisol levels. Return of the female to the home enclosure reduced male cortisol levels 2 h later, whereas continued separation did not. Reunion in either the home or novel enclosure increased socio-positive and courtship/sexual behavior, as well as time spent in proximity of the partner. Together, these results provide evidence for a substantial female influence on pair bond formation and maintenance in G. monasteriensis and further support for the existence of social and sexual monogamy in this species.
Repository Citation
Oliver, A.,
Kaiser, S.,
Sachser, N.,
Jandewerth, P.,
Löttker, P.,
Epplen, J. T.,
& Hennessy, M. B.
(2008). Female Influences on Pair Formation, Reproduction and Male Stress Responses in a Monogamous Cavy (Galea monasteriensis). Hormones and Behavior, 53 (3), 403-412.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/psychology/86
DOI
10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.11.009
