Mix it and fix it: functions of composite olfactory signals in ring-tailed lemurs.
Abstract
Animals communicating via scent often deposit composite signals that incorporate odorants
from multiple sources; however, the function of mixing chemical signals remains understudied.
We tested both a 'multiple-messages' and a 'fixative' hypothesis of composite olfactory
signalling, which, respectively, posit that mixing scents functions to increase information
content or prolong signal longevity. Our subjects-adult, male ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur
catta)-have a complex scent-marking repertoire, involving volatile antebrachial (A)
secretions, deposited pure or after being mixed with a squalene-rich paste exuded
from brachial (B) glands. Using behavioural bioassays, we examined recipient responses
to odorants collected from conspecific strangers. We concurrently presented pure A,
pure B and mixed A + B secretions, in fresh or decayed conditions. Lemurs preferentially
responded to mixed over pure secretions, their interest increasing and shifting over
time, from sniffing and countermarking fresh mixtures, to licking and countermarking
decayed mixtures. Substituting synthetic squalene (S)-a well-known fixative-for B
secretions did not replicate prior results: B secretions, which contain additional
chemicals that probably encode salient information, were preferred over pure S. Whereas
support for the 'multiple-messages' hypothesis underscores the unique contribution
from each of an animal's various secretions, support for the 'fixative' hypothesis
highlights the synergistic benefits of composite signals.
Type
Journal articleSubject
behavioural bioassaycomposite signal
intrasexual competition
olfactory communication
scent mark
strepsirrhine primate
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11826Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1098/rsos.160076Publication Info
Greene, Lydia K; Grogan, Kathleen E; Smyth, Kendra N; Adams, Christine A; Klager,
Skylar A; & Drea, Christine M (2016). Mix it and fix it: functions of composite olfactory signals in ring-tailed lemurs.
R Soc Open Sci, 3(4). pp. 160076. 10.1098/rsos.160076. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11826.This is constructed from limited available data and may be imprecise. To cite this
article, please review & use the official citation provided by the journal.
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Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Christine M. Drea
Earl D. McLean Professor
I have two broad research interests, sexual differentiation and
social behavior, both focused on hyenas and primates. I am
particularly interested in unusual species in which the females
display a suite of masculinized characteristics, including male-
like or exaggerated external genitalia and social dominance.
The study of naturally occurring hormones in such unique
mammals can reveal general processes of hormonal activity,
expressed in genital morphology, reproductive development,
and
Lydia Greene
Postdoctoral Scholar
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