Pheromonal emission by pregnant rats protects against infanticide by nulliparous conspecifics.

摘要: The present studies of experiments focuses on infanticide in the nulliparous rat and asks two questions. First, what do infanticidal nulliparae gain from killing unrelated young? And second, does recently parturient female have an effective strategy to counter infanticide? With regard first question, we show benefits young, namely, that killer utilizes young as a food resource she occupies nest site mother whose has destroyed. second extended period cohabitation with pregnant reduces incidence behavior nulliparae. Additionally, demonstrate emits pheromone during pregnancy which itself and, fact, often makes potentially females maternal. possible endocrine basis this induced maternal is discussed.