WILL YOU STILL LIKE ME TOMORROW?: LONG TERM CHANGES IN SOCIOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN CAPTIVE MARMOSETS (CALLITHRIX JACCHUS) |
S. B. Carp, M. J. Wulf, A. C. Mustoe and J. A. French
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68182, USA |
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| The quality and content of encounters among primate pairmates are dynamic. However, key timepoints for changes in the quality and frequency of social interactions between mates are not well-known. In this study we tracked seven newly-formed male-female pairs of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from introduction through six months of cohabitation. Behavioral measures were recorded during home environment interactions. We also conducted partner-preference tests at approximately 12 weeks post-pairing. Sexual behavior was influenced by pairing length (ANOVA:F5,30=4.16,p=0.005), with the highest frequency during the first and second months of cohabitation (all p<0.05). In contrast, both the time in proximity to pairmates (ANOVA:F5,30=3.04,p=0.025) and contact (ANOVA:F5,30=3.99,p=0.007) with their mate increased over time, with levels highest during the third and fourth months of cohabitation (p’s<0.05). Behavior during home environment observations did not predict partner preference (Pearson’s r:p’s>0.05). First, sexual behavior and affiliative behavior show distinct temporal patterns in marmosets. Second, affiliative behavior is highest several months into cohabitation, indicating that this might be a key timepoint in assessing the development and maintenance of long-term relationships in marmosets. Third, behavior in a partner preference test appears to measure a different aspect of a relationship from that measured by undistributed home environment observations. These results indicate the importance of considering both long-term temporal dynamics and social context when assessing the maintenance of social bonds. Supported by MH114504 and HD089147. |
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