Biology - Papio Flashcards
What is unique about the size of baboons? Why is this advantageous?
Largest OWM. Allows biomedical devices made for humans to be tested without modification of size.
What sexual dimorphism exists in baboons?
Males can be up to twice as large as females.
What baboon has a unique silver-white coat color?
Hamadryas baboons - Papio hamadryas
How can ischial callosities be used to sex baboons?
Fused in males under the anus, separated in females.
When are baboons active? Are they primarily arboreal or terrestrial?
Diurnal, primarily terrestrial although some are arboreal.
What is the dental formula of baboons? Describe canine teeth. What other oral structure is present?
2 (I 2/2, C 1/1, PM 2/2, M 3/3). Long upper canine teeth, especially prominent in males. Check pouches to store food.
How may species of baboons are there? How are they divided? Which species belong to groups?
Five species. Savanna baboons: P. anubis, P. cynocephalus, P. papio, P. ursinus. Desert baboon: P. hamadryas
Where are baboons found? (Continent and environment)
Sub-Saharan Africa, except for main forested areas. Savanna baboons: Semidesert, savanna, scrubland, woodlands, highland grass, gallery forest. Desert: Wooded or subdesert steppe, mountains bordering Red Sea.
What nesting sites do baboons prefer?
Steep cliffs or closed-canopy trees as protection from predators.
Describe the social hierarchy of baboons.
Strict social hierarchies.
Savanna: Multimale-multifemale. Groups from 20-130 animals with many more females than males. Females remain with natal group and form stable core of social group with linear dominance hierarchy. Males disperse around puberty, transfer groups several times to prevent breeding with offspring and dominance interaction with younger males. Male-male interactions more aggressive than affiliative. Mating access determined by male’s length of stay in social group, alliance with females, and female choice as much as male-male competition.
Describe the social hierarchy of hamadryas baboons.
One-male social unit consisting of one male, several females, and their offspring. Male focus of attention, receives most of grooming. Males herd female members and prevent straying. Several on-male units may associate to form clan, travel and forage together. Several clans, one-male units, and single males can come together to form a band. Social interactions usually restricted to band members and band members forage as an autonomous unit.
Are baboons seasonal breeders? When does sexual maturity generally occur?
Lack reproductive seasonality and are capable of breeding continuously.
Females: 4-5 years
Males: 4-7 years
How long is baboon gestation? What are average interbirth intervals? What occurs with unsuccessful pregnancies?
6 month gestation. 1-3 year interbirth interval. Shortened with unsuccessful pregnancies.
What structures allow assessment of ovarian function and pregnancy status?
Perineal tumescence and sex skin
What is the menstrual cycle associated with? Describe its association with the appearance of the sex skin.
Swelling and color change of sex skin. Initial turgescence takes an average of 4 days and is followed by edematous distension until the sex skin has no wrinkles and develops and intense red color. Turgescence lasts 13-21 days. Max turgescence associated with hormonal changes that occur with ovulation. Initial deturgescence characterized by loss of color, decreased swelling, and increase in wrinkles in perineum. Quiescent stage of 12 days follows where sex skin has many wrinkles, dull surface, and little color.
