MALE DOMINANCE AND FEMALE CHEMOSENSORY PREFERENCES IN THE ROCK-DWELLING SNOW VOLE

摘要: The aim of this study was to examine how factors affecting male scent attractiveness females interact with influencing social dominance in rock-dwelling snow voles, Chionomys nivalis. We analysed the effect particular phenotypic traits fitness, including relative body weight, bilateral asymmetry levels and haematocrit volume, upon success at both intra- intersexual processes (measured as outcome interactions among males level attraction males' odours females, respectively). found that achieving more dominant status were those higher which may give them physical advantage intrasexual contests. Although experimental not directly influenced by volumes or asymmetry, data from their original population indicate heavier are indeed symmetric than lighter males. Regarding male's odours, results show weight unimportant principally favoured scents individuals volumes. In addition, tended be attracted towards less asymmetric These findings suggest C. nivalis might different factors. Nevertheless, due tight interrelationship between achievement completely independent. further hypothesize intrinsic information contained odour cues could adaptively, differently, used conspecifics sexes species.