"Patterns of lemur reproductive and behavioral development"
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Dr. Christine Drea
Duke University
Our research addresses the basic mechanisms of biobehavioral development in the ringtailed lemur ( Lemur catta ). We are interested in the hormonal correlates and developmental processes of male-like traits in females, and are exploring the social factors that influence the behavioral expression of sex differences, particularly during aggression, play, and scent marking. As a nontraditional animal model, the ringtailed lemur presents an invaluable opportunity to examine current theories of sexual differentiation, to explore the role of androgens in mediating female aggressive behavior, and to elucidate the biological mechanism associated with the evolution of a female-driven social system in primates.