Mating System and Population Fluctuations of the Prairie Vole, Microtus ochrogaster

摘要: The basic mating system of the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster , consists monogamous breeding units comprised one reproductive female and male their offspring. Most surviving young remain at natal nest; those that do so normally non-reproductive. Of 281 total monitored in free-living populations 50.2% were monogamous. Twenty-seven percent consisted a single apparently has lost her mate. Theremaining 22.8% included two or more unrelated adults males and/or females (=‘complex’ units). In general, monogamy was predominant type unit highest (>100 adults/ha) as well low (>20 population densities. There no consistent relationship between number residents density. Significantly remaining nest became high rather than densities (77.1 17.6%, respectively). Monogamy prevalent during winter other seasons; however, there significantly complex seasons. Breeding size larger difference proportions types nonbreeding Increased appears related to temperatures associated physiological stresses