Abstract
We examined the adolescent development of the sexual skin of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) by daily observation, evaluation of swelling, and weekly photogrametry. Although the size of swelling differed with the individual, the development of sexual swelling followed four stages: (1) initial stage, the labial region began to show a slight swelling and recovery; (2) labial stage, swelling at the labial region became maximal; (3) anal stage, another swelling center appeared in the anal region and enlarged; and (4) full maturity stage, the labial and anal regions merged into a full swelling. Menarche occurred after the beginning of the anal stage, and the regular cycle was then established. All of the swelling stages and the peak swelling size are regarded as good indicators of reproductive maturation in chimpanzees.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bielert C, Busse C (1983) Influence of ovarian hormones on the food intake and feeding of captive and wild female chacma baboons (Papio Ursinus). Physiol Behav 30:103–111
Coe CL, Connolly AC, Kraemer HC, Levine S (1979) Reproductive development and behavior of captive female chimpanzees. Primates 20:571–582
Deschner T, Heistermann M, Hodges K, Boesch C (2003) Timing and probability in relation to sex skin swelling in wild West African chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes verus. Anim Behav 66:551–560
Deschner T, Heistermann M, Hodges K, Boesch C (2004) Female sexual swelling size, timing of ovulation, and male behavior in wild West African chimpanzees. Horm Behav 46:204–215
Dixon AF (1983) Observations on the evolution and behavioral significance of “sexual skin” in female primates. Adv Study Behav 13:63–106
Emery MA, Whitten DL (2003) Size of sexual swelling reflects ovarian function in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 54:340–351
Graham CE (1970) Reproductive physiology of the chimpanzee. In: Bourne GH (ed) The chimpanzee, vol. 3. Karger, Basel, pp 183–200
Nadler RD, Graham CE, Gosselin RE, Collins DC (1985) Serum levels of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids, including testosterone, during the menstrual cycle of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). Am J Primatol 9:273–284
Nadler RD, Dahl JF, Collins DC, Gould KG (1992) Hormone levels and anogenital swelling of female chimpanzees as a function of estrogen dosage in a combined oral contraceptive. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 201:73–79
National Research Council (1996) Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals. National Academy Press, Washington
Nunn CL (1999) The evolution of exaggerated sexual swellings in primates and the graded-signal hypothesis. Anim Behav 58:229–246
Ozasa H, Gould KG (1982) Demonstration and characterization of estrogen receptor in chimpanzee sex skin: correlation between nuclear receptor levels and degree of swelling. Endocrinology 111:125–131
Udono T, Sasaoka S, Inoue M, Takenaka A, Tekenaka O (1989) Breeding of the chimpanzee in Sanwakagaku Kenkyusho Reichorui Center Co. Ltd and paternity discrimination (in Japanese). Primate Res 5:157
Wallis J (1992) Chimpanzee genital swelling and its role in the pattern of sociosexual behavior. Am J Primatol 28:101–113
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Mori, Y., Shimoda, K., Kobayashi, H. et al. Development of the sexual skin with pubertal maturation in female chimpanzees. Primates 48, 97–101 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-006-0030-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-006-0030-1