ISSN:
1432-0762
Keywords:
Key wordsNeotoma cinerea
;
DNA fingerprinting
;
Reproductive success
;
Paternity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The mating patterns and reproductive success of the bushy-tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) were investigated over a 3-year period (1992–1994) using DNA fingerprinting. Paternity was determined by genetic analysis of 58 juveniles of known maternity from 35 litters. Analysis of DNA fingerprints revealed that all offspring within a litter were fathered by a single male; the statistical probability of detecting multiple males mating with a female was high, indicating that multiple paternity would have been detected had it occurred. However, individual males did not father more than one litter from a given female either within or between years. At least 75% of females and 57% of males successfully produced offspring each year. The finding that all littermates are first-order relatives may contribute to the high level of female cooperation in this species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002650050473
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