Kin Recognition and Social Behavior in Microtine Rodents

Abstract

The mechanism and function of kin recognition were examined within the framework of the social systems of vole species. Association is a proximate mechanism that underlies kin recognition for vole species that have been examined. Yet association during preweaning may not be adequate for all species at certain times of year. Some vole species form communal groups during the breeding season, whereas other species nest communally during the nonbreeding season. Moreover, individuals of some species of voles nest together at high densities, whereas individuals of other species disperse at high densities. Familiarity based on association is the cue that voles use to discriminate between elose relatives and unrelated individuals. Voles do not recognize unfamiliar elose relatives. Conse- quently, the ability to recognize kin may be limited to individuals that are philopatric or have repeated contacts with elose relatives. Therefore, the ability to recognize kin may be dependent on the mating system, social organization, and habitat of a particular species.