Mechanisms of sexual fidelity in the monogamous California mouse, Peromyscus californicus

摘要: Peromyscus californicus are exclusively monogamous in the wild. We examined laboratory whether established pairs of male and female P. would remain faithful when given opportunity to mate with an opposite sex stranger, either presence or absence their partner. When partner was present she he tethered could not intervene. Females postpartum estrus (day 0 postpartum) preferred associate pairmate rather than unfamiliar virgin male. also partner, but 15–20% females mated both Paired males were tested unfamiliar, sexually inexperienced estrous on days 4 8 partners absent estrus, day Males pairmate. Contrary theoretical expectations, did copulate regardless not. Furthermore, few (2/13) a experienced, female. These results indicate that monogamy is maintained by strong attraction preference pairmates for each other self-restraint from mating others. Male guarding may further ensure faithfulness. exhibit apparently more sexual fidelity females.