Proposal No. IBN-9801452 Dissertation Research: "Paternity Assessments in a Population of Humpback Whales (Megaptera Novaeangliae)" Although whale mating behavior is difficult to observe, their mating systems can be assessed by genetic techniques. This study will determine the mating system from the parentage in a natural breeding population of humpback whales. Skin samples will be obtained by approaching whales in a small boat and harpooning biopsy samples from adult males (individually recognized by their flukes), and from adult females and their calves; this does not harm the whales. Molecular genetics lab work then will match the DNA of each calf with the DNA of its mother and its possible father. By comparing the variation in reproductive success from the genetic fingerprints among the large representative local sample of males, the mating system of the population can be assessed. The results may explain the elaboration of the complex male songs and behavior traditions in humpback whales, and they will further the understanding of sexual selection in mammalian mating systems. The study is the first assessment of male reproductive success in a mysticete whale. This method may prove to be especially important in studies to determine the mating systems of whales and other marine mammals where mating is difficult to observe. scientific model may apply in determining the mating systems in marine The results may be of general significance to conservation of whale populations.
