Social organization and mating system of free-living prairie voles Microtus ochrogaster: a review
Getz, Lowell L.; McGuire, Betty; Carter, C. Sue
Loading…
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/14479
Description
Title
Social organization and mating system of free-living prairie voles Microtus ochrogaster: a review
Author(s)
Getz, Lowell L.
McGuire, Betty
Carter, C. Sue
Issue Date
2005
Keyword(s)
Animal behavior
Biogeography
Terrestrial ecology
Behavioral biology
Reproductive system
Voles
Abstract
We summarize the social organization and mating system of the prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster as determined from an extensive field study in east-central Illinois, USA. The fundamental social organization of M. ochrogaster consists of communal groups formed from an original male-female pair or single female (usually a survivor of a male-female pair) by addition of philopatric offspring and unrelated adults. Philopatric offspring comprise 70% of additions to the original breeding unit. In addition, most (80%) unrelated adults do not join a family group until at least two philopatric offspring have reached adult age. Thus, formation of communal groups is based on a high level of philopatry. Male-female pairs display traits associated with behavioral monogamy, including sharing a nest and home range, mate-guarding by the male, and paternal behavior (grooming, huddling, and retrieval of young). Members of communal groups also defend the group territory.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
