The phenotypic correlates and quantitative genetics of masculinization in the rodent, Octodon degus.

ABSTRACT: In some mammals, female characteristics have been shown to depend, in part, on the intrauterine position during development of female fetuses relative to male fetuses. Females developing in close proximity to males show behavioral, physiological and life history characteristics that are masculinized. With the exception of one inconclusive study, nothing is known of the genetic basis of this phenomenon. In this paper, we reported an analysis of the quantitative genetic basis of masculinization, as indicated by the anogenital distance (AGD) at birth and weaning, in the rodent Octodon degus. Because AGD is related to weight, we included a genetic analysis of pup weight at birth and weaning. Pairwise correlations showed that AGD at birth varied negatively with litter size and parturition numbe

SUBMITTER: Roff DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5555094 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature