The role of facial pattern variation for species recognition in red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons).

摘要: Species recognition, i.e., the ability to distinguish conspecifics from heterospecifics, plays an essential role in reproduction. The of facial cues for species recognition has been investigated several non-human primate except lemurs. We therefore wild red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) at Kirindy Forest. presented adult pictures male faces five including lemurs, three closely related species, white-fronted (E. albifrons), brown fulvus), rufous rufus), and genetically more distant red-bellied rubriventer), occurring allopatry with study population. predicted that respond stronger conspecific than heterospecific females show responses males. In addition, if genetic drift played a evolution color patterns members this genus, we correlate negatively distance different stimuli. Red-fronted looked significantly longer their own those heterospecifics. Females spent less time looking white-fronted, males did, but not control stimulus. Individuals also exhibited sniffing behavior while visual stimuli, was compared Moreover, towards correlated between as conclude have using cues, which may allow them avoid costly interbreeding. If so, sexual selection might influenced eulemurs. Since distance, our findings suggest potential well influencing variation Because subjects sniffed pictures, multi-modal recognition.