Metabolic Strategy and Social Behavior in Lemuridae

摘要: Research on lemurs contributes importantly to evaluation of hypotheses primate development and evolution. A central question about social behavior has asked why adult females in many lemur species socially dominate males while this trait is rare among Anthropoids other mammals. At present, the favored hypothesis—that female undertake unusually costly reproduction dominance over necessary for access sufficient nutrition throughout Madagascar’s dry season—has both supporters detractors. We propose that confusion concerning derives from failing appreciate adaptation should have minimized prospects seasonal stress success during months food abundance, not scarcity, most likely be primary foraging factor influencing relative fitness today’s lemurs. Analyses hair growth, somatic intake, fatness, two metabolically-active hormones (thyroxine insulin-like growth 1) revealed Lemur catta Eulemur fulvus rufus prepare photoperiod annual wet season upcoming seasons also make adjustments life less expensive.