Effect of male care on offspring development in the monogamous Microtus kikuchii
| Autor: | Yang, Yi-Ming, 楊怡明 |
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| Rok vydání: | 2011 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 99 Living in Taiwan at altitudes above 2500 meters, Microtus kikuchii is documented as a monogamous species. In captivity, male parental care behavior has been observed. In this research, I studied three questions: 1) does the presence of male care by the father influence behavioral development and physical growth of offspring? 2) does male care affect offspring development differently between higher and lower temperature? and 3) does father presence influence time spent of female on offspring? This experiment was conducted in the animal room and involved two groups (father present and father absent) at two different temperatures (15°C and 23°C). I observed and recorded growth, development, and locomotion ability for each pup from birth to 30 day-old. Time spent of different behaviors by parents was compared through video-recording for three days after pup was born. Results showed that presence of father has influences on body weight, ear length, tail length, hind foot length of pups during 3-18 postnatal days. In the 23°C treatment, weaning and righting behavior of pups was displayed significantly earlier in father presence group. In the 15°C treatment, digits separating, eyes opening and pivoting behavior of pups was displayed significantly earlier. Survival rate of pups was significantly higher in father present group (93% vs. 16%) at 15°C treatment, but not at 23°C. The presence of males has no influence the time spent for caring pups of females. Video-recording reviewed male behavior such as huddling over, retrieving and grooming offspring. This study showed that male voles provided direct care that enhanced growth, development and locomotion ability of pups. Survival rate was also improved by helping females to raise offspring. Effects of male parental care to offspring were more obvious in lower temperature treatment. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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