Testing the paternity hypothesis for male care in Rwenzori Angolan colobus

Most mammals require care from older individuals during early life. Mothers tend to be the primary caregivers during this time, but in some mammals, notably social carnivores, rodents, and primates, care can be provided by conspecifics. In most primate species, allomothers tend to be female, making infant care by males a rare behaviour. Recently, we documented high levels of infant handling (a costly behaviour) by adult males in a population of Angolan colobus monkeys. To better understand the selective drivers of male care in this subspecies, we have collected more behavioural data on infant handling as well as fecal samples for genetic testing. Using these data, we seek to determine whether males are more likely to handle infants whom they have sired. DNA was preserved in the field and shipped to the lab of Dr. Wikberg at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where DNA analysis will take place.

Faculty Supervisor:

Julie Teichroeb

Student:

Partner:

University of Texas at San Antonio

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Other

University:

University of Toronto

Program: