Graduate Student, Biological Sciences
Behavioural Ecology Research Group
Thesis Title: Female biased sexual size dimorphism and mate choice in tarrkawarra (Notomys alexis)
|
Mariella Herberstein
|
About
In most animals females are larger than males. The opposite is true for mammals, however. For example, male primates (including humans) are on average 25% larger than females. However there are a few mammal species in which females are the larger sex - most famously in hyenas. One lesser known such species is the tarrkawarra (Notomys alexis), also known as the spinifex hopping mouse. The magnitude of the sexual size dimorphism (SSD) observed in many animals fluctuates depending on ecological factors. I am investigating ontogenetic factors that effect the magnitude of the female-biased sexual size dimorphism (FSSD) seen in tarrkawarra.
The reproductive physiology of tarrkawarra is highly anomalous within the mammalian order. Amongst other things, the males one of the lowest known mammalian testes:boday mass, even though females mate with multiple males. To ascertain what corresponding peculiarities exist in social behaviour and mating system, I'm investigating mate choice, affiliative preference and aggressive behaviour in this species.
For more information on the species please see:
http://www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/kids/nature/mammals/mouse.sht
http://www.oceanwideimages.com/species.asp?s=Spinifex+Hopping+Mouse
http://www.zoossa.com.au/adelaide-zoo/animals-exhibits/animals/mammals
Contact Information
| Homepage: |
