Female–Female Reproductive Suppression: Impacts on Signals and Behavior
Abstract
Female–female reproductive suppression is evident in an array of mammals, including rodents, primates, and carnivores. By suppressing others, breeding females can benefit by reducing competition from other females and their offspring. There are neuroendocrinological changes during suppression which result in altered behavior, reproductive cycling, and communication. This review, which focuses on species in Rodentia, explores the current theoretical frameworks of female–female reproductive suppression, how female presence and rank impacts reproductive suppression, and some of the proposed mechanisms of suppression. Finally, the understudied role of olfactory communication in female–female reproductive suppression is discussed to identify current gaps in our understanding of this topic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1093/icb/icab027
Entities
People
- Angela R. Freeman
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Cornell University