Patterns of lemur reproductive and behavioral development

狐猴的生殖和行为发育模式

• 批准号: 0409367
• 负责人: Christine Drea
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Duke University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-07-15 至 2008-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0409367&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Patterns; lemur; reproductive; behavioral; development

Traditionally, androgens have been linked with male development and estrogens with female development; yet, both classes of steroids are functionally significant in both sexes, with dramatic implications for sexual differentiation, reproductive development, and social behavior. In contrast to studies on the role of estrogens in males, the role of androgens in vertebrate females generally has been overlooked. A notable exception involves a series of studies examining androgen function in the female spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) - research that has challenged our assumptions of traditional sex roles and revealed a set of previously unknown mechanisms of hormonal regulation in females. Using the hyena as a predictive model, the specific aim here will be to address basic mechanisms of biobehavioral development in the ringtailed lemur (Lemur catta), an endangered prosimian primate endemic to Madagascar. The selection of L. catta as the subject of this proposal is based on the existence of a set of male-like characteristics in the female, including exaggerated or 'masculinized' external genitalia, size monomorphism with the male, and aggressively mediated social dominance over males. The proposed research will compare females against males to (1) fully characterize the suite of male-like traits in the female, (2) examine the hormonal correlates and developmental processes of those traits, and (3) explore the social factors influencing the behavioral expression of sex differences, particularly during aggression, play, and scent marking. As a nontraditional animal model, the ringtailed lemur presents an invaluable opportunity to examine current theories of sexual differentiation, to explore the role of androgens in mediating female aggressive behavior, and to elucidate the biological mechanism associated with the evolution of a female-driven social system in primates. The results of this research are likely to raise provocative questions about the traditional focus on male-driven mechanisms at the expense of considering female social and reproductive control. The findings may also suggest a broader role for androgens in female mammals and may ultimately contribute to reformulating the theory of sexual differentiation to better reflect active processes in feminine development.The broader impact of this project will be attained primarily through a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate training. Through hands-on research participation that fosters new collaborations and interdepartmental partnerships, this project will provide a venue for encouraging under-represented groups, particularly women, to pursue careers in science. By sharing information with the Duke University Primate Center's on-site educational program, that targets universities, primary schools, and the general public, this project will contribute to the mission of enhancing education and raising public awareness about lemurs. Moreover, any knowledge gained on lemur reproduction could ultimately benefit species conservation efforts.

传统上，雄激素与男性发育有关，雌激素与女性发育有关;然而，这两类类固醇在两性中的功能都很重要，对性分化，生殖发育和社会行为有着巨大的影响。与雌激素在雄性动物中作用的研究相反，雄激素在雌性脊椎动物中的作用通常被忽视。一个值得注意的例外涉及一系列研究雄激素功能的女性斑点鬣狗（Crocuta crocuta）的研究，挑战了我们的假设传统的性别角色，并揭示了一套以前未知的机制激素调节女性。使用鬣狗作为预测模型，这里的具体目标将是解决环尾狐猴（狐猴卡塔），濒临灭绝的原猿类灵长类动物特有的马达加斯加的生物行为发展的基本机制。对L.卡塔作为这一提议的主题是基于女性存在一套类似男性的特征，包括夸张或“男性化”的外生殖器，与男性的大小单形性，以及对男性的积极介导的社会支配地位。拟议的研究将比较女性和男性，以（1）充分描述女性的男性特征，（2）检查这些特征的激素相关性和发育过程，（3）探索影响性别差异行为表达的社会因素，特别是在攻击，玩耍和气味标记期间。作为一种非传统的动物模型，环尾狐猴提供了一个宝贵的机会，以检查当前的性别分化理论，探索雄激素在介导女性攻击行为中的作用，并阐明与灵长类动物中女性驱动的社会系统进化相关的生物学机制。这项研究的结果可能会提出挑衅性的问题，传统上的重点是男性驱动的机制，在考虑女性的社会和生殖控制的代价。这些发现也可能表明雄激素在雌性哺乳动物中发挥更广泛的作用，并可能最终有助于重新制定性别分化理论，以更好地反映女性发育的积极过程。通过亲身参与研究，促进新的合作和部门间的伙伴关系，该项目将提供一个场所，鼓励代表性不足的群体，特别是妇女，追求科学事业。通过与杜克大学灵长类动物中心的现场教育计划共享信息，该计划的目标是大学，小学和公众，该项目将有助于加强教育和提高公众对狐猴的认识的使命。此外，任何关于狐猴繁殖的知识最终都可能有利于物种保护工作。