Conflict-involvement of male guinea pigs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cavia aperea</Emphasis> f. <Emphasis Type="Italic">porcellus</Emphasis>) as a criterion for partner preference |
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Authors: | Ivo H Machatschke Barbara E Bauer Cornelia Schrauf John Dittami Bernard Wallner |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria;(2) Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;(3) Department of Neurobiology and Cognition, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria |
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Abstract: | Polygynous mating systems can inflict considerable costs on males, often causing the emergence of alternative mating strategies
to ensure reproductive success. These strategies can lead to different morphs of color, size, or behavior. The present work
was done on guinea pigs, a polygynous rodent species. Some males can show a reduced readiness for conflict, perhaps employing
an alternative mating strategy. To test this hypothesis, a two-stage experiment was set up, with males (N = 16) and females (N = 16) initially living in isosexual groups. Visual and olfactory contact was possible through a wire mesh. Male agonistic
behavior was observed for 15 days, confirming the existence of less-conflict-involved (LCI, N = 7) and more-conflict-involved males (MCI, N = 9). Significant differences were found for a conditional parameter, body mass, and a morphometric one, testis width: LCI
consistently surpassed MCI. Hormonally, cortisol was comparable, while testosterone was distinctly higher in MCI. Next, males
and females were joined and observed for further 24 days. Males initially lost weight but reached original mass towards the
end of the experiment. Testis width patterns were similar. Again, LCI had higher body mass. Cortisol was comparable, but testosterone
release 3 days after merging was significantly higher in LCI. Behaviorally, LCI exhibited significantly less male–male aggression
and more socio-sexual behavior than MCI. The former were more successful, with 57% capable of accessing females, in contrast
to 11% of MCI. The existence of two distinct behavioral phenotypes in guinea pig males suggests that different reproductive
strategies may exist in this species. |
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Keywords: | Alternative mating strategies Aggression Conflict Guinea pigs Testosterone Cortisol |
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