Skip to main content
Log in

Extra-pair paternity in the monogamous Alpine marmot revealed by nuclear DNA microsatellite analysis

  • Original article
  • Published:
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The genetic parentage and pedigrees of 35 litters from 12 family groups of monogamous Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) in the French Alps were analyzed using six hypervariable sequence repeat nuclear loci (microsatellites). All of the members of these family groups were sampled during a 5-year period. Hairs taken directly from animals served as a source of DNA for amplification of the loci. Our results indicate that the genetic mating system of the Alpine marmot is quite different from a strictly monogamous breeding system. Extra-pair paternity occurred in 11 of the 35 litters (31.4%). Of the 134 juveniles typed, 26 (19.4%) could be attributed to extra-pair copulation (EPC). We examine hypotheses which could explain the evolution of EPC and discuss the different patterns of extra-pair mating.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 11 July 1997 / Accepted after revision: 23 May 1998

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Goossens, B., Graziani, L., Waits, L. et al. Extra-pair paternity in the monogamous Alpine marmot revealed by nuclear DNA microsatellite analysis. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 43, 281–288 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002650050492

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002650050492

Navigation