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Paternity determination, genetic characterization, and social correlates in a captive group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

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Abstract

In this study we use genetic fingerprints based on highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for paternity identification, apply some descriptive genetic measures and test social correlates of reproductive success in a group of captive chimpanzees. Using 6 microsatellites applied to 34 blood or muscle samples, we inferred sires for 16 offspring. Mean allele-sharing values revealed an increase in genetic relatedness from founder animals to animals born in the colony. Multi-dimensional scaling of genetic relatedness revealed only one patrilinear and no matrilinear clusters. Furthermore, individuals did not appear to produce offspring more often with partners that they mated with more often, that were higher-ranking, older or (in the case of females) of higher parity. There was also no association between male rank and shortterm reproductive success.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

    Christoph Meier, Charlotte K. Hemelruk & Robert D. Martin

  2. Anthropologisches Institut und Museum, Winterthurerstr. 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland

    Christoph Meier & Robert D. Martin

  3. Institut für Informatik, Winterthurerstr. 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland

    Charlotte K. Hemelruk

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  1. Christoph Meier
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  2. Charlotte K. Hemelruk
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  3. Robert D. Martin
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Meier, C., Hemelruk, C.K. & Martin, R.D. Paternity determination, genetic characterization, and social correlates in a captive group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Primates 41, 175–183 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02557798

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02557798

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