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Female dominance in captive gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus)
1Institute of Zoology, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany. Ute.Radespiel@tiho-hannover.de
American Journal of Primatology
|July 27, 2001
Summary
Female gray mouse lemurs exhibit unconditional dominance, winning most intersexual conflicts. This suggests female dominance is an ancient trait in lemur evolution, rare in other mammals.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Female dominance and feeding priority are common in lemurs but rare in other mammals.
- Nocturnal lemur social dominance requires further quantitative investigation.
- Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) may represent ancestral lemur traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intersexual dominance patterns in the gray mouse lemur.
- To analyze the context, distribution, and outcomes of intersexual conflicts.
Main Methods:
- Observation of four captive groups of gray mouse lemurs.
- Analysis of intersexual conflicts, focusing on spatial interactions like chasing and avoidance.
Main Results:
- Intersexual conflicts were frequent and occurred in various behavioral contexts.
- The majority of conflicts were resolved, with females winning all but one instance.
- This study provides the first evidence of unconditional female dominance in cheirogaleid primates.
Conclusions:
- Female dominance appears to be a widespread and ancient trait in Lemuriformes, likely originating from their common ancestor.
- The findings challenge the rarity of female dominance in mammals, highlighting its significance in lemur evolution.