Voles Flashcards
Where are members of the genus Microtus found?
Northern hemisphere, primarily Europe and North America
What are the most common species of voles used in research?
Microtus californicus - California vole
M. ochrogaster - Prairie vole
M. pennsylvanicus - Meadow vole
M. montanus - Montane vole
M. oeconomus - Tundra vole
M. pinetorum - Pine vole
M. arvalis - Common vole
All of the species in research belong to what subgenus? Except what genus and species?
All belong to subgenus Microtus except for M. pinetorum, which belongs to subgenus Pitymys.
How are individuals in the subgenus Pitymys adapted to semifossorial life?
Reduction of eyes, external ears, and tail. Close, velvety pelage.
Where are all the common species in research found? Except which species?
North America, except M. arvalis, which is found in Europe. M. oeconomus is also found in northern Europe, Siberia, and north-central China.
Which vole is used for understanding the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms governing complex social behavior in vertebrates? Why? What species serves as a contrast?
M. orhrogaster. Monogomous, with research on neuropeptdies oxytocin and vasopressin and their control over pair-bonding, paternal and maternal care, and mate-guarding.
M. pennsylvanicus serves as the contrasting species. Is polygamous and somewhat antisocial.
Which compounds affect offspring attachment and social bonding between mates in voles?
Mu-opioid receptor and neuropeptide Y, in addition to oxytocin and vasopressin.
What is the montane vole used for in research?
Experimental model for the study of African trypanosomiasis. Sensitive to effects of plant based 6-methoxybenzolinone, which alters sex ratio of litters.
What is the common vole used for in research?
M. arvalis serves as an herbivorous model of chemically induced DM and for evaluation of sex chromosome abnormalities.
What is the tundra vole used for in research?
M. oeconomus used to study effects of atherogenic diet.
What is unique regarding vole molars?
Rootless, allowing them to grow continuously throughout life. Allows them to chew large volumes of abrasive grasses, which is important as a herbivore.
What makes vole reproduction unique?
Among most prolific mammals, with M. pennsylvanicus producing up to 17 litters/year.
When does the common vole (M. arvalis) sexually mature? How young can some females mate and conceive?
2-3 weeks
Mate and conceive at 13-14 days
How large are litters? How often can a female have a new litter?
4-7 pups/litter
New litter every 3 weeks
Describe the social grouping of prairie voles.
Live in monogamous relationships, with the male assisting the female in raising offspring. Young remain part of family group until ready to establish their own relationship. Female and male offspring remain nonproductive into adulthood if maintained in presence of dominant male.
Describe the social grouping of M. pennsulvanicus.
Males are promiscuous and sexes nest separately.
Describe social grouping of pine voles.
Cooperative system of breeding in social groups of 2-9 animals. Only one female reproduces, but all members of the care of newborns.
How does the presence of fathers impact pup development?
Prairie voles - Accelerates pup development
Meadow vole - Hinders development
What occurs if male from an unknown male is introduced?
Pregnancy terminated
