Kin Selection, Aggression, and Demography in Prairie Vole Populations: A Test of the Charnov-Finerty Hypothesis (Population Biology)

本研究对草原田鼠，Microtus ochrogaster，有三个 目的：1）检验Charnov. Finnov（1980）假设， 提出，高与低的遗传相关性的差异 种群密度驱动田鼠种群周期：2）确定 这一假说的直接机制是否是遗传的， 相关性本身，或熟悉性（如Bekoff 1981所建议的）; 3） 以确定遗传相关性的程度或 熟悉度影响田间条件下的交配系统。 通过 操纵交配和住房条件在实验室中，四 不同程度的遗传相关性和熟悉性的群体 将被创建：亲属熟悉，亲属不熟悉，非亲属熟悉， 非亲属陌生人。 这些人口将被释放到四个领域 每两周进行一次围栏和活捕。 伤害（作为衡量 侵略），扩散率，生殖条件，人口 数量和间隔模式将受到监测。 DNA指纹 将用于确定繁殖成功率和交配系统 在每个附件中。 互动部分包括教授研究生研讨会 关于女性动物行为学家，组织一个女性讨论小组， 学生和教职员工，组织一个关于妇女和科学的研讨会， 并在部门研讨会上发言 本项目进一步促进了VPW计划的目标，即（1） 为妇女提供机会， 工程和科学的学科由NSF支持， (2)鼓励女性从事科学和工程职业 通过提高女性科学家和工程师的知名度， 受雇于工业、政府和学术机构。 通过 鼓励妇女参与科学，这是一个宝贵的 投资于国家未来的科学活力。

This research on the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster, has three objectives: 1) to test the Charnov.Finerty (1980) hypothesis, which proposed that differences in genetic relatedness at high versus low population densities drives vole population cycles: 2) to determine whether the proximate mechanism of this hypothesis is genetic relatedness per se, or familiarity (as suggested by Bekoff 1981); 3) to determine whether either degree of genetic relatedness or familiarity influences the mating system under field conditions. By manipulating matings and housing conditions in the laboratory, four populations of varying degrees of genetic relatedness and familiarity will be created: Kin-Familiar, Kin-Unfamiliar, Non Kin-Familiar, Non-Kin Unfamiliar. These populatins will be released into four field enclosures and live-trapped every two weeks. Wounding (as a measure of aggression), dispersal rates, reproductive condition, population numbers and spacing patterns will be monitored. DNA fingerprinting will be used to determine reproductive success and mating system in each enclosure. The interactive component consists of teaching a graduate seminar on women animal behaviorists, organizing a discussion group for women students and faculty, organizing a symposium on women and science, and presenting a department seminar. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.