Mechanisms and Evolution of Reproductive Suppression

非技术概述克里尔，斯科特，IBN 94-19452繁殖抑制的机制和进化这个项目将继续对非洲野狗(Lycaon Pictus)的研究。1991年6月开始，S在坦桑尼亚赛勒斯赛场预备队。非洲野狗是濒临灭绝的物种。据估计，生活在野外的大熊猫数量在4000到6000之间。塞卢斯野生动物保护区是非洲大陆最大的保护区，也是现存野狗数量最多的地区(880只)。这项研究是一个更大的项目的一部分，目的是了解和扭转野狗的衰落。在一个典型的野狗群体中(最多20只成年犬)，只有在社会上占主导地位的一对才能繁衍后代。这项研究将解决这样一个问题，即为什么社交下属即使在生殖能力成熟的情况下也不生育。将使用两种方法。首先，将收集人口和遗传数据，以检验生殖抑制进化的数学模型。其次，将在野外收集行为和荷尔蒙数据，以确定哪些生理和行为机制阻止下级繁殖。这项研究解决了两个具有广泛意义的问题。首先，它考察了社会地位对生殖的影响方式(这是一个与人类生殖和其他濒危物种的圈养繁殖直接相关的问题)。其次，它研究了濒危动物衰落的原因，希望确保它在野外生存。

NONTECHNICAL SUMMARY Creel, Scott., IBN 94-19452 Mechanisms and Evolution of Reproductive Suppression This project will continue a study of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). begun June 1991 in Tanzania s Selous Game Reserve. African wild dogs are an endangered species. Estimates of the number living in the wild range from 4000 to 6000. The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected area on the continent, and holds the largest remaining population of wild dogs (880 individuals). This research is part of a larger program to understand and reverse the wild dogs decline. Within a typical wild dog pack (of up to 20 adults), only the socially dominant pair breeds. This study will address the question of why social subordinates do not breed, even though they are reproductively mature.. Two approaches will be used. First, demographic and genetic data will be gathered to test a mathematical model of the evolution of reproductive suppression. Second, behavioral and hormonal data will be collected in the wild, to determine what physiological and behavioral mechanisms prevent reproduction by subordinates. This research addresses two issues of broad significance. First, it examines the manner in which social status affects reproduction (an issue with direct relevance for human reproduction, and for captive breeding of other endangered species). Second, it examines the causes of decline of an endangered animal, in the hope of ensuring its survival in the wild.