PROPOSAL #: IBN 9728767 PI: Zyleyma Tang-Matrinez The proposed research will examine the genetic and behavioral effects of inbreeding, using the vole, Microtus ochrogaster as the model organism. The research will address: 1. The effects of inbreeding (defined as mating between close relatives) on the number of young produced per litter, as well as the weight, growth rates and survival of the pups. 2. The effects of inbreeding on parental behaviors. 3. Preferences of voles for related versus unrelated partners, or for inbred versus outbred partners. Systematic, quantitative behavioral observations along with weighing and monitoring of pups produced by inbred versus outbred matings will be employed to address the first two objectives. Mate choice experiments will demonstrate whether voles show preferences among four potential mates of different degrees of genetic relatedness ofrinbreeding. Inbreeding has detrimental effects in many species of animals, including humans. These effects may include decreased growth, reduce vigor, and the expression of genetic diseases of defects. Deficits in parental behaviors may cause or exacerbate some of these effects but almost nothing is currently known about the interactions between inbreeding and parental behavior. Similarly, little is known about the importance of inbreeding in determining mate choices. This research is expected to provide insights into possible behavioral effects of inbreeding in animals that could potentially be extrapolated to humans. Moreover, the information generated will be valuable to husbandry and conservation efforts that require the maintenance of genetic diversity in populations.
