What is it going to be? Pattern and potential function of natal coat change in sexually dichromatic redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus )

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8315786
AutoresJulia Barthold (University of Göttingen), Claudia Fichtel (0000-0002-8346-2168, German Primate Center, autor correspondente), Peter M Kappeler (0000-0002-4801-487X, German Primate Center), Peter Kappeler
Ano2009
Volume138
Fascículo1
Páginas1-10
Data de publicação2009-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.20868
PMID18615575
OpenAlexW2151190584
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas50

In some primate species, pelage colorations at birth contrast with adult colorations. The intensity of natal coats and their phylogenetic distribution is highly variable within primates. Natal coat coloration seems to change to adult coloration in most species when infants become independent from their mothers, but an accepted functional explanation for natal coats is not available. Here we describe pelage coloration change in sexually dichromatic redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus ) in Kirindy Forest, and propose a new functional hypothesis for this phenomenon. In this species, infants are born with adult male coloration and female infants subsequently undergo a change in coloration. Using digital pictures and behavioral data collected on eight mother‐offspring dyads from birth until the end of the coloration change, we 1) described timing and pattern of pelage developmentin redfronted lemur infants and 2) examined behavioral developmental correlates of the coloration change. The color change took place between 7 and 17 weeks of age and coincided with advanced physical independence; a pattern also found in monochromatic primate species with natal coats. No behavioral differences between male and female infants were found. Hypotheses about the ultimate function of natal coats focusing on enhanced infant care or reduced infanticide risk did not explain the pelage change in redfronted lemurs. The natal pelage pattern in this species may instead serve as sexual mimicry. Accordingly, female infants may mimic males during the most vulnerable developmental phase to avoid sex‐specific aggression by adult females in a species with intense female–female aggression and competition. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc

Aggression · Agonistic behaviour · Biology · Coat · Developmental psychology · Lemur · Lemur catta · Primate · Zoology · Animal Behavior and Reproduction · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior · Ecology · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Psychology