Lonely Boy: Parental Division of Labor and Single-Parenting in Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).

Presentation Type

Poster/Portfolio

Presenter Major(s)

Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology

Mentor Information

Jodee Hunt

Department

Biology

Location

Henry Hall Atrium 82

Start Date

10-4-2012 9:00 AM

Keywords

Life Science

Abstract

Fish aerate and guard embryos, and may transmit beneficial microbes to them. Wild convict cichlids provide biparental care with marked division of labor. We investigated whether parental specialization persisted in experimental conditions, and if males and females continued care if the other parent was absent. In one experiment, we divided broods, rearing half with both parents, but sequestering the other from parental contact. In another, we divided broods, rearing half with the female and half with the male. When paired, females remaining near and frequently contacted broods while males were vigilant- similar to parents in wild populations. Single males remained nearer offspring compared to paired males. Females (vs. males) consistently contacted offspring more frequently, and patrolled more when alone vs. paired. Behavioral flexibility helps parents rear broods to independence, and demonstrates that either parent could provide bacterial inocula for transmission.

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Apr 10th, 9:00 AM

Lonely Boy: Parental Division of Labor and Single-Parenting in Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).

Henry Hall Atrium 82

Fish aerate and guard embryos, and may transmit beneficial microbes to them. Wild convict cichlids provide biparental care with marked division of labor. We investigated whether parental specialization persisted in experimental conditions, and if males and females continued care if the other parent was absent. In one experiment, we divided broods, rearing half with both parents, but sequestering the other from parental contact. In another, we divided broods, rearing half with the female and half with the male. When paired, females remaining near and frequently contacted broods while males were vigilant- similar to parents in wild populations. Single males remained nearer offspring compared to paired males. Females (vs. males) consistently contacted offspring more frequently, and patrolled more when alone vs. paired. Behavioral flexibility helps parents rear broods to independence, and demonstrates that either parent could provide bacterial inocula for transmission.