Quantitative Genetics of Response to Novelty and Other Stimuli by Infant Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) Across Three Behavioral Assessments

摘要: Primate behavior is influenced by both heritable factors and environmental experience during development. Previous studies of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) examined the effects genetic variation on expressed related neurobiological traits (heritability and/or association) using a variety study designs. Most these prior adults or adolescent macaques, not in young early To assess additive behavioral reactivity response to novelty among infants, we investigated range large number (N = 428) pedigreed infants born housed outdoor corrals at Oregon National Research Center (ONPRC). We recorded each subject series brief tests, involving exposure infant novel environment, social threat without mother present, environment with its present but sedated. found significant heritability (h2) for willingness move away from explore (h2 0.25 ± 0.13; P 0.003). The also exhibited reactions separation stress when was 0.23 0.13–0.24 0.15, < 0.01). observed no evidence maternal traits. Our results extend knowledge influences temperament nonhuman primates demonstrating that several measures are heritable.