The evolution of polyandry in the white-tailed prairie dog, cynomys leucurus.

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John L. HooglandThe evolution of polyandry in the white-tailed prairie dog, cynomys leucurus.IOS-0717097Polyandry, or multiple mating by females, is common in animals but the function of this behavior is poorly understood. Because mating involves costs such as increased exposure to diseases and parasites, the evolution and maintenance of polyandry are puzzling. Polyandry within six colonies of white-tailed prairie dogs at the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado will be studied. The specific goal over the next year will be to develop and optimize biochemical techniques for the assignment of paternity for those females that mate with more than one male. Accurate assignment of paternity is pivotal for investigating several hypotheses about how polyandry might evolve. Many undergraduate students are involved in this research. The project provides information about prairie dogs to new media and to the public. The research results will be useful to the State and Federal agencies that set policies concerning the preservation of this species.