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

对草原田鼠（Microtus ochrogaster）的研究有三个目的：1)检验Charnov。Finerty（1980）假说，提出在高种群密度和低种群密度下遗传亲缘性的差异驱动田鼠种群周期：2)确定该假说的近似机制是遗传亲缘性本身，还是亲缘性（Bekoff 1981年提出）；3)确定在野外条件下，遗传亲缘度或熟悉度是否会影响交配系统。通过在实验室中操纵交配和居住条件，将创造出四个不同程度的遗传亲缘关系和熟悉度的种群：亲缘关系，亲缘关系，非亲缘关系，非亲缘关系。这些种群将被释放到四个野外围栏中，每两周捕获一次。将监测伤害（作为侵略的衡量标准）、扩散率、繁殖条件、种群数量和间隔模式。DNA指纹将用于确定每个圈地的繁殖成功率和交配系统。互动部分包括教授一个关于女性动物行为学家的研究生研讨会，为女学生和女教师组织一个讨论小组，组织一个关于妇女与科学的专题讨论会，以及介绍一个部门研讨会。该项目进一步推进了VPW计划的目标，即(1)为女性提供在工程和NSF支持的科学学科中发展职业的机会；(2)通过为在工业、政府和学术机构工作的女性科学家和工程师提供更大的知名度，鼓励女性在科学和工程领域追求职业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

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.