A developmental model for the evolution of paternal care

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Teresa C. Justice (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Timothy D. Johnston

Abstract: A number of theories have been presented to explain the evolution of paternal care in mammals. However, these theories do not explain the origin of paternal care behaviors within a species. The purpose of this paper was to present a developmental model for the origin of paternal care within an individual species through a change in the species-typical developmental system. According to the model, rearing male voles with their fathers will initiate a change in the species-typical developmental system that will increase the likelihood of paternal care being displayed by the males when they become fathers. Furthermore, paternal care is predicted to increase across generations if the males continue to be reared with their fathers.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1995
Subjects
Parental behavior in animals
Voles $x Behavior
Mammals $x Evolution

Email this document to