Social organization of the voleClethrionomys rufocanus and its demographic and genetic consequences: A review |
| |
Authors: | Yasuyuki Ishibashi Takashi Saitoh Masakado Kawata |
| |
Affiliation: | (1) Chromosome Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, North 10, West 8, Kitaku, 060-0810 Sapporo, Japan;(2) Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 062-8516 Sapporo, Japan;(3) Biological Institute, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba, 980-8578 Sendai, Japan |
| |
Abstract: | Recent findings on the relationship between social interaction and demographic process in the gray-sided voleClethrionomys rufocanus are reviewed with reference to the findings in other microtine rodents. Social behavior was particularly focused on spacing and dispersal, and their effects on population dynamics are discussed. Female territoriality can limit a population abundance as a density-dependent factor, although its regulatory effect is controversial. Female philopatry and male-biased dispersal should bring about the clumped distribution of female relatives and genetically random distribution of males during the breeding season. The sexual difference in dispersal patterns can contribute to the mating behavior of the vole; promiscuous mating and low frequency of incestuous mating. However, effects of social structure, including kinship, on reproduction and survival of individuals still remains to be clarified. Molecular markers may help to solve these issues and provide new field of population ecology in microtine rodents. |
| |
Keywords: | dispersal behavior kin cluster philopatry spatial genetic structure territoriality the gray-sided vole |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|