Reports outline gas chromatography research from University of Pisa
2007 NOV 20 -- "In this paper, we aim at demonstrating individual recognition of female genital marking in Lemur catta. By gas chromatography and behavioural trials we verified the occurrence of the three components of recognition systems," researchers in Pisa, Italy report. "We showed that each female has a unique chemical signature ( expression component), and males and females perceive female individuality ( perception component). To verify the presence of the action component ( the last component of recognition systems), we designed a bioassay based on territorial competition to verify the functional response to female odours. Only females identified other females on the basis of their scents. The lack of a territorial functional response by males to female secretions may not indicate a male inability to identify females by their scents. In fact, sexual dimorphism in motivation and territorial defence may explain the response by males in the functional experiment. Actually, game theory predicts that males defend their own territories more vigorously against males compared with females," wrote E. Palagi and colleagues, University of Pisa. The researchers concluded: "Therefore, the result of individual recognition bioassays of female odours may open interesting scenarios in the evaluation of the territorial defence investment across the different sex combinations." Palagi and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Experimental Biology (Females do it better. Individual recognition experiments reveal sexual dimorphism in Lemur catta (Linnaeus 1758) olfactory motivation and territorial defence. Journal of Experimental Biology, 2007;210(15):2700-2705). For additional information, contact E. Palagi, University of Pisa, Center Interdiparimentale Museo Storia Nat & Territo, Via Roma 79, I-56011 Pisa, Italy. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Experimental Biology is: Company of Biologists Ltd., Bidder Building Cambridge Commercial Park Cowley Rd., Cambridge CB4 4DL, Cambs, England. Keywords: Italy, Pisa, Gas Chromatography, Diagnosis, Diagnostics, University of Pisa. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
|
