Information about neighbor recognition is basic to an understanding of the behavioral interactions that occur within a social unit. Most studies on the role of familiarity in mammalian social organizations, however, have been done on social mammals. Little attention has been given to solitary species, although most mammals live as solitary individuals during most of their lives. Dr. Randall's research will examine the role of familiarity in spacing, mate selection, and kin recognition in the social organization of two species of solitary, desert rodent: the bannertail ( - Dipodomys spectabilis -) and Merriam's ( - D. merriami -) kangaroo rat. Animals of known age, sex, and relationships will be paired in a large portable enclosure in the field, and their interactions will be documented and compared. Dr. Randall will also track animals with radio-transmitters to determine their spacing relationships before and during mating, and will continue detailed observations of both species' mating behavior. In addition, a number of studies in the laboratory are planned to examine whether the kangaroo rats could recognize each other from odors deposited during scent-marking. The information obtained from this project should help in promoting a basic understanding of the steps that lead to the development of sociality as it has evolved in mammalian communities.
