Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1976
Keywords
Agonistic behavior in animals, Rodents, Population
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
John J. Christian
Second Advisor
John L. Fuller
Third Advisor
Donald W. Kaufman
Abstract
It is hypothesized that interspecific aggression between Peromyscus leucopus and Microtus pennsylvanicus influences levels of ACTH, and thus depresses the reproductive potential of one or both species. Exposure of maturing young to interspecific aggression might be especially critical since the most effective means of reducing reproduction within a species is by inhibition of maturation rather than by the depression of reproduction in mature mammals (Christian, 1971a; Dorfman and Shipley, 1965; Terman, 1968).
Consequently, laboratory investigations were conducted to determine the nature of behavioral interactions within and between groups of Peromyscus leucopus and Microtus pennsylvanicus. The effects that the intra- interspecific aggressive interactions might have on reproduction, movement and mortality for each species were then examined.
Recommended Citation
Rowley, Mildred Helen, "Agonistic behavior of Peromyscus leucopus and Microtus pennsylvanicus: implications for population distribution and dynamics" (1976). Graduate Dissertations and Theses. 335.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/dissertation_and_theses/335