Diet and reproductive function in wild female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Kibale National Park, Uganda.

摘要: Human female reproductive function is highly sensitive to current energetic condition, indicating adaptation modulate effort in accordance with changing ecological conditions that might favor or disfavor the production of offspring. Here, we test hypothesis capacity chimpanzees likewise limited by condition. We used 12 years data on wild (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) Kanyawara community Kibale National Park, Uganda, examine relationship dietary quality, as assessed fruit components diet, occurrence sexually receptive females, concentrations ovarian steroid hormones, and timing conception. found frequency females having sexual swellings was positively related consumption drupe fruits. Estrogen levels both cycling noncycling increased during seasonal peaks When average remained high across months, conceived more quickly. These results support conception are contingent upon energy balance, they indicate availability a key variable limiting performance chimpanzees. Chimpanzees appear share humans system primed respond proximate acquisition.