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Mix it and fix it: functions of composite olfactory signals in ring-tailed lemurs.

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Date
2016-04
Authors
Greene, Lydia K
Grogan, Kathleen E
Smyth, Kendra N
Adams, Christine A
Klager, Skylar A
Drea, Christine M
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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 article
Subject
behavioural bioassay
composite signal
intrasexual competition
olfactory communication
scent mark
strepsirrhine primate
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11826
Published Version (Please cite this version)
10.1098/rsos.160076
Publication 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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Scholars@Duke

Drea

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
Greene

Lydia Greene

Postdoctoral Scholar
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