Dissertation Research: Determinants of Variation in Fitness Related Traits in Callithrix jacchus

这项建议的主要目的是阐明导致一种新大陆猴子Callithrix Jacchus的产仔数和幼崽存活率变化的因素。这个物种特别有趣，因为它习惯性地生双胞胎，但也会生一个或三个后代。从理论的角度来看，变异的决定因素将提供对通过自然选择进行进化的机会的洞察，以及它发生的发展阶段。此外，还可以确定产前发育和胎儿数量对出生后存活率的影响程度。通过统计分析，研究人员将能够估计产仔数和婴儿存活率的遗传成分。将通过使用激光检查来收集基本数据，以确定排卵的时间和超声波，以确定胎儿的数量，并跟踪小鼠的生长情况。

The primary goal of this proposal is to clarify the factors which lead to variation in litter size and infant survivorship in a species of new world monkey, Callithrix jacchus. This species is particularly interesting as it habitually gives birth to twins, but will also produce litters with either one or three offspring. From a theoretical perspective, the determinants of variation will provide insight into the opportunity for the operation of evolution through natural selection, as well as the stages in development at which it occurs. Also, it will be possible to determine the degree to which prenatal growth and number of fetuses effects survivorship in the period after birth. Through statistical analyses, the investigators will be able to estimate the genetic component to both litter size and infant survivorship. The basic data will be gathered through the use of laproscopic examinations to determine the timing of ovulation and ultrasound to determine the number of fetuses and to follow the growth of the litters.