Abstract
Two subspecies of deer, black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and Rocky Mountain mule deer (O. h. hemionus) were exposed to the tarsal scents of both subspecies in a social setting. The scent was sprayed on one individual in a group. The responses, consisting of sniffing, licking, and following, were stronger to each subspecies' own tarsal scent. This discrimination may be important for sexual isolation in areas where the ranges of the two species overlap.
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Müller-Schwarze, D., Müller-Schwarze, C. Subspecies specificity of response to a mammalian social odor. J Chem Ecol 1, 125–131 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987725
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987725