Karen J. Parker, Ph.D.

Publication Details

• Development of selective partner preferences in captive male and female Microtus pennsylvanicus (meadow voles)

  Parker KJ, Phillips KM, Lee TM. Animal Behaviour. 2001; 61 (6): 1217-1226

  Intraspecific social systems vary considerably as a function of environmental parameters (Lott 1984). For example, non-monogamous species may engage in facultative partner preferences and parenting to offset the costs associated with harsher breeding conditions. Because no field or laboratory research has examined non-monogamous meadow voles under sub-optimal conditions (e.g., low-density summer populations or during colder months), it was not known whether meadow voles could form affiliative preferences for a specific partner. The goal of this experiment was to identify whether meadow voles develop selective partner preferences and if so, under what circumstances. Partner preferences were assessed using a choice apparatus in which the test animal chose to spend time with a familiar mate or stranger. Males and females (within photoperiod) were paired and tested under one of five different conditions: after 24 h, 10 d, or 23 d of cohabitation with mating or after 24 h or 10 d of cohabitation without mating. Data indicate that male and female meadow voles rapidly form selective partner preferences for a familiar mate when compared with controls in nearly every condition, regardless of photoperiod, cohabitation duration, or whether mating did or did not occur. Within 24 hours, males direct significantly more aggression toward unfamiliar animals, and mating enhances this effect. For females, 24 h of social cohabitation is sufficient to decrease aggression to partners, but stranger-directed aggression appears later, following delivery of the litter. These data suggest that meadow voles are capable of developing selective partner preferences and stranger-directed aggression and may have evolved these abilities to maximize reproductive success during the colder months of the year or under low-density populations during the summer breeding season.