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.
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.