Food competition in pairs of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Author

Anne Michels

Date of Award

8-1990

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Zoology

Major Professor

John L. Gittleman

Committee Members

Suzette D. Tardif, Gordon M. Burghardt

Abstract

This study examined the effects of dispersal of food and amount of difficulty involved in obtaining food on food competition in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Mated pairs of C. jacchus were presented with food in four different configurations, each of which involved food that was either dispersed or concentrated, and either difficult or easy to obtain. Analysis of each animal's food consumption, as well as searching and aggressive behaviors, showed that both dispersal and amount of difficulty in obtaining food had little effect on food competition. There were significant effects of both aggression and amount of time spent searching on amount of food consumed. Females obtained more food than males in all situations, apparently because they were more aggressive and more motivated to search for food than were males.

Recommended Citation

Michels, Anne, "Food competition in pairs of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1990.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/12724