Socioendocrinology of Puberty and Paternity in Rhesus Macaques

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Many speculate about physiological and reproductive consequences of age and social status but few have done more than speculate. With the powerful new technique of DNA fingerprinting, this relationship can now be systematically studied. By combining hormonal measurements of estrogen, testosterone and prolactin with DNA paternity determination and direct behavioral observations, Dr. Bercovitch will gain new insights into unraveling the association between social status, reproductive maturation and reproductive success in male rhesus macaques. Using these primates as a biological model for human physiology and behavior, he will use this information to develop paradigms for understanding male life history strategies. Dr. Bercovitch will also explore factors promoting paternal care and determine the role that hormones and actual paternity have on this important function. This project represents an integration of molecular genetic data with hormonal life history theory and behavioral ecology and provides a innovative framework to understand the mechanisms underlying variation in male reproductive success.