Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite relates to social rank in Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys

Abstract

Studies suggest there is a connection between adrenal cortisol production and social rank in many non-human primates. Behavioral observations have confirmed that Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) have obvious social ranks. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations as an indicator of social stress and dominance rank in Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys. Fecal samples were collected about every 5 days for 1 year from 10 Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (> 7 years old; n = 5 males, 5 females), and analysed for FGM with a corticosterone radioimmunoassay using machine learning and open access data. Results showed that: (1) yearly mean FGM levels were negatively correlated with individual animal behavioral social rank in both males and females; (2) we divided the whole year into warm and cold seasons (seasonally) and breeding and nonbreeding seasons physiologically. Except for cold seasons, FGM levels have a negative correlation with behavioral social ranks in males and females; (3) female rank does not clearly relate to FGM levels; (4) social ranks of snub-nosed monkeys are more collaborative traits than aggressive ones. Our findings have important implications for understanding the different physiological consequences of dominant and subordinate social status on Sichuan snub-nosed monkey societies, and it quantifies how physiological stress differs during seasons and phases, and by individuals.

Ovipositional behaviour and larval performance ofTrichoferus campestris(Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on cut branches of four North American tree species

“…Our results that T. campestris is able to oviposit, begin development, and emerge from the four tree species used in these experiments are consistent with previous reports of a high degree of polyphagy exhibited by this beetle (Iwata & Yamada, 1990; Kostin, 1973; Liu & Li, 2014; Makhnovskii, 1966; Svacha & Danilevsky, 1987; Wang et al, 1988). This characteristic has likely facilitated the ability of T. campestris to successfully invade and establish itself in many places around the world, as polyphagy is associated with the likelihood of insect establishment after an introduction to a novel environment (Cocquempot & Lindelöw, 2010).…”

“…Host range studies for T. campestris suggest that this beetle is highly polyphagous. It can allegedly infest trees in over 40 genera, including softwoods and hardwoods (Bullas‐Appleton et al, 2014; Iwata & Yamada, 1990; Kostin, 1973; Liu & Li, 2014; Makhnovskii, 1966; Svacha & Danilevsky, 1987; Wang et al, 1988). Reports of T. campestris emergence from stored products made of wood, including solid wood packing material and furniture, reflect the beetle's ability to tolerate low moisture conditions in addition to a broad range of hosts (Keszthelyi et al, 2019).…”

Cross-species Analyses of Intra-species Behavioral Differences in Mammals and Fish

“…Heritability of personality in rhesus macaques and its association with fitness [140]; association between boldness and danger awareness in vervet monkeys [66]; distinct patterns of locomotor and boldness responses to novelty in cynomolgus monkeys [67] Correlation between glucocorticoids and boldness in novel object responses [65]; safety/approach behaviors in an automated maze [219] Overt bold-shy continuum (based on position in the tank and feeding latency) in zebrafish [69]; changes of boldness in the rainbow trout observing other fish lose fight [75] Aggressiveness Correlation of aggressive individual occurrence in rhesus monkeys with serotonin metabolism [136] High aggression in Wildtype Groningen (WTG) rats [220] Distinct aggressive behaviors (chase, bite, repel, spar) in zebrafish colonies [184] Dominance Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite correlates with social stress and dominance in Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys [221] Heritability of social dominance traits [222] Distinct patterns of plasma cortisol and telencephalic corticotrophinreleasing hormone, neuropeptide Y and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in dominant vs subordinate fish [79] Sociability Peer-reared monkeys display extreme behavioral and physiological reactions to environmental challenges [76] Social group size may promote the evolution of individual behavioral 'signatures', such as social alarm calls in sciurid rodents [80] Social interaction affects growth, stress, immune function and reproductive condition [79] Table 2. Selected open questions to be clarified concerning the individual behavioral differences in animal models (also see Fig.…”