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The effects of oestrous condition and familiarity on the sexual behaviour of polecats (Mustela putorius and M. fur × M. putorius hybrids)
Author(s) -
Poole Trevor B.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1974.tb04111.x
Subject(s) - mustela putorius , biology , estrous cycle , stimulus (psychology) , zoology , sexual difference , sexual behavior , physiology , developmental psychology , psychology , psychoanalysis , psychotherapist
The effects of two factors on the sexual behaviour of polecats ( Mustela furo and M. putorius × M. furo hybrids) were investigated, in an indoor arena of 16 m 2 , firstly the oestrous condition of the female and secondly the familiarity of the two individuals. The initial approaches of a male polecat are similar irrespective of the oestrous condition of the female but his subsequent behaviour is dependent upon the female's response. Whereas males copulated with oestrous females they showed a wider repertoire of social acts and a greater number of changes of behaviour towards females which were not in oestrous. Unreceptive females elicited both sexual and aggressive behaviour from males. Unfamiliar females provide a more powerful eliciting stimulus for the male's copulatory behaviour than do familiar females.