Abstract
Reproduction in female Zapus princeps, the western jumping mouse, was studied in relation to age, body size, and energy reserves in the form of fat content. Females were classified as reproductive if embryos, mammary tissue, or placental scars were present. Nonreproductive females were those showing no visible signs of pregnancy or lactation during midsummer, when breeding status could be determined with certainty. Only 9 of 22 (41%) 1-year-old females and 21 of 30 (70%) older females bred. Differences in size between breeders and nonbreeders were attributable to differences in age. Differences in fat content were attributed to size and breeding status, but could not be considered to reflect prebreeding condition. We speculate that the nonbreeding females were those in poor condition following hibernation. Most of these were yearlings.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
