Saturday, February 9, 2013

Social Effects via Olfactory Sensory Stimuli

Social Effects via Olfactory Sensory Stimuli on Reproductive Function and Dysfunction in Cooperative Breeding Marmosets and Tamarins
This article describes how marmosets and tamarins rely on their olfactory sensory processing to interact and identify with family members.  This study investigates the effects of odor cues on the reproductive systems of these species and how the offspring use odors to ensure their basic needs are met by their parents, which is critical because these species live in a cooperative family environment.  Their high reproductive rate requires all family members to aid in infant care, as mothers may be pregnant or lactating while other infants are still dependent on them.  They have therefore formed social bonds between family members based upon odor cues.  I found it to be a very interesting read considering what we have learned so far about differing reproductive success and social groupings.

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