Sheree Watson - US grants

Animal Behavior Program
Nontechnical Abstract


Proposal #: 9874475
PI: Watson, Sheree
Title: An investigation of behavioral and physiological determinants of the excess of males in the small eared bushbaby (Otolemur garnettii)

Bushbabies are primitive primates that have an unusual excess of males. At birth, most individuals are males. This is especially true among first offspring. Physiological variables including body temperature and hormone fluctuations across the estrous cycle may influence the birth male to female ratio. These depend on a behavioral mediator. The male, the female, or both, must be more willing to mate at a point in the cycle coincident with the physiological parameters that influence the gender of the resulting offspring. As the time between insemination and ovulation increases, the probability that the fetus will be male also increases. Because female bushbabies have a 2-10 day receptive period, there is an opportunity for variation in the time between insemination and ovulation. The increased male bias in first offspring could result from differences in the timing of insemination. Males may control mating with younger, inexperienced females but may have less influence with older, experienced females. Dr. Watson's research will use evaluation of videotaped courtship behavior to document differences between inexperienced and experienced females. This will examine the hypothesis that control of the timing of insemination by males and females influences the gender of the fetus.

The results provide information about the influence of social behaviors on birth male to female ratios. This knowledge will benefit captive breeding programs for primitive primates. It may add to the understanding of human reproduction. This project will initiate the first nonhuman primate colony at a historically black university, enabling greater research opportunities for minority students.

Engineering - 59

This project is increasing the number of engineering and computer science graduates by reducing the financial and academic barriers to student success. Recruitment efforts are leveraging the activities of an existing program geared toward recruitment and retention of American Indian students in engineering, which includes visits to all seven Montana reservation communities. Also being utilized is the Providing Resources for Engineering Preparedness program which seeks to strengthen connections between Montana's tribal and community colleges. Selected students will receive scholarships based on their financial need and their interest and dedication to STEM studies. Students are participating in a bridge program prior to their first semester, helping them to begin feeling at home in the College and to connect as a cohort. During the academic year, students are participating in study groups and monthly mentoring and networking events.