Social niche conformance in a rodent: When, how and why (B01)

• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922

In our project, we aim to elucidate causes and consequences of social niche conformance across the lifespan in male guinea pigs. We will ask three questions: When, how and why can the behavioural profile be modulated? More specifically, at which stages of ontogeny do shaping processes occur, and are these shaping processes reflected in specific hormones and higher reproductive success? This study will contribute significantly to our understanding of social niche conformance.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 212: A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC3)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bielefeld
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Sylvia Kaiser; Professor Dr. Norbert Sachser, until 12/2021