Are olfactory traits in a pair-bonded primate under sexual selection? An evaluation of sexual dimorphism in Aotus nancymaae.

摘要: OBJECTIVES Sexual selection has seemingly influenced chemical communication in numerous non-human primates, although it is unclear whether strictly pair-living and pair-bonded taxa. The physical similarities between male female owl monkeys suggest that disruptive not played a role this taxon. However, given their nocturnality, olfactory traits may show differing patterns of sexual than visual traits. If monkeys, we expect larger scent glands greater scent-marking females the high degree paternal care, as been proposed for callitrichines. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated sex differences qualitative quantitative descriptions subcaudal perianal glandular regions captive (n = 39) (n = 36) (A. nancymaae), behaviors performed within breeding pairs (n = 16). RESULTS Males had areas secretion retained hairs covering gland, more darker males region. inspected genital region partners frequently did, but sexes did differ much other investigative marking behaviors. DISCUSSION observed variation are consistent with hypothesis having spending time investigating odors. Still, monogamous were less extreme those other, non-monogamous,