Intra and interspecific courtship in cavies (Cavia porcellus) and wild cavies (Cavia aperea)

Author(s)

Nina Furnari

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD)
• Defense date: 2006-07-17

Examining board members

Cesar Ades; Patricia Ferreira Monticelli; Elisabeth Spinelli de Oliveira

• Advisor: Cesar Ades
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology
• Indexed in: Banco de Dados Bibliográficos da USP-DEDALUS; Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações - USP; Index Psi Teses - IP/USP
• Location: Universidade de São Paulo. Biblioteca do Instituto de Psicologia; QL737.R634; F787c

Abstract

The wild cavy (Cavia aperea) is considered as one of the current exemplars of an ancestor species which through domestication processes starting six thousands years ago originated Cavia porcellus, the guinea pig. A formal comparison between the two species (Cavia aperea and Cavia porcellus), constitutes not only an interesting model for an investigation of the effects of domestication on behaviour, but also it may contribute to a taxonomic understanding of the two species. The aim of the study was to describe and compare the courtship behaviour exhibited by wild cavies and guinea pigs within intraspecific couples. In addition, arranging interspecific couples, we aimed to verify possible reproductive barriers which could be a consequence of the domestication processes. Intraspecific and interspecific couples took part in two experiments: the first was a short term experiment undertaken in a non-natural testing environment; the second was long term and conducted in a semi-natural environment. Interactive episodes were observed and a range of behavioural categories demonstrated by the individuals during interactions were registered. Significant differences were found between intra and interspecific couples (frequency and duration of the interactions) as well as between wild cavies and guinea pigs. Whilst the latter interacted and explored themselves more as well as showing more courtship behaviour, the former instead were more active towards exploring their environment. These differences suggest possible effects of the domestication processes. Furthermore, there were also significant asymmetrical differences among the interspecific couples themselves: whilst male wild cavy showed courtship behaviour towards the female guinea pigs and even mated with them. However, less than when compared to their behaviour towards female wild cavies. Male guinea pigs mostly did not court female wild cavies; this was mainly attributed to the female wild cavies showing high levels of aggression. The results account for the existence of behavioural barriers between the two species, which are probably due to the domestication process and can well generate partial reproductive isolation. (AU)