| Gas-chromatographic analyses of the subcaudal gland secretion of the European badger (Meles meles) part I: chemical differences related to individual parameters. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 11868678 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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In many species, chemical signals are important in the context of intraspecific communication. European badgers (Meles meles) use the secretion of their subcaudal gland to mark both the environment and conspecifics. In this paper, we investigated the chemical composition of subcaudal gland secretions and how it varies among individuals according to group membership, season, sex, age, body condition, and reproductive status. We analyzed 66 samples by gas chromatography using a mass-spectrometer as detector. We found 110 different components, of which 21 were present in every profile. The chemical composition of the secretions proved to be highly individual-specific, but no single peak was found to be typical for one of the investigated categories (season, sex, etc.). Analyses of the relative area (% area) that every peak contributed to the overall profile area showed that, in general, group members have more similar profiles than do badgers from different groups. Composition varied over seasons and between sexes and was influenced by age, body condition, and reproductive status. We, therefore, conclude that the secretion not only encodes group membership and individuality as previously assumed, but might also convey information about fitness-related parameters. |
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Authors:
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C D Buesching; J S Waterhouse; D W Macdonald |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of chemical ecology Volume: 28 ISSN: 0098-0331 ISO Abbreviation: J. Chem. Ecol. Publication Date: 2002 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2002-02-28 Completed Date: 2002-08-20 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 7505563 Medline TA: J Chem Ecol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 41-56 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Carnivora / physiology* Female Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods* Male Pregnancy Scent Glands / secretion* Seasons Sexual Behavior, Animal |
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