Abstract

CONTRERAS, Facundo et al. Jerarquía de dominancia y elección de machos por parte de hembras en Akodon azarae (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): un estudio experimental. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2016, vol.23, n.2, pp.381-400. ISSN 0327-9383.

In rodents, indirect competition among males plays an important role in the establishment of dominance hierarchies and the evolution of mating strategies. Given that Akodon azarae is a polygynous species in which males guard females against other potential mates, we postulated that males access mating through the establishment of dominance hierarchies and that females prefer dominant males. Our objectives were to study the establishment of such hierarchies by means of scent marking and the relationship between mate choice by females in relation to male dominance status. In addition, we examined whether dominant males reinforced their condition by means of scent over-marking and aggressive behavior. The study was conducted in the laboratory during the reproductive season of 2015, using adult individuals (32 males and 23 females). We used a 3-chamber device, with chambers separated by perforated walls that allowed visual and olfactory communication, but not direct physical contact. We were able to identify dominant and subordinate males, but the former did not reinforce their condition with over-marking or aggression. Females did not appear to prefer dominant males. Future studies should include more precise assessments of dominance levels and a design that allows physical contact among individuals.

Keywords : Mating strategies; Polygyny; Scent marking; Sexual selection.