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Female social dominance and basal metabolism in a malagasy primate, Propithecus verreauxi
Author(s) -
Richard Alison F.,
Nicoll M. E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350120308
Subject(s) - biology , primate , dominance (genetics) , zoology , basal metabolic rate , ecology , endocrinology , genetics , gene
Tight energetic constraints on reproductively active females are hypothesized to be an important determinant of the phenomenon of female dominance in Propithecus verreauxi , a primate endemic to Madagascar. Five wild sifakas were captured in the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in southern Madagascar, and resting metabolic rates (RMR) were measured. Levels were low, as predicted, with the exception of a possibly pregnant female.; Although the data were not conclusive, they were consistent with the hypothesis.