Aggressive behavior of adult meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) towards young

摘要: Field evidence indicates that adult microtines, especially females, may be a major cause of poor juvenile survival and this instrumental in their population regulation. This suggests males females behave differently towards young animals. To examine how males, nonlactating lactating strange young, I introduced animals into the home cage adults. Lactating were most aggressive young; investigated them; ignored them. However, discriminant function analysis indicated great deal overlap behavior classes. None classes behaved either sex. Females did not vary during lactation. Behavior varied among with 55% showing little aggression 20% deal. Most showed similar each bouts: docile remained docile, aggressive. conclude are young. These results consistent field evidence, which depress recruitment main culprits breeding females.