Multiple paternity in the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus)
M. G. Sale A B D , F. J. L. Kraaijeveld-Smit C and J. P. Y. Arnould A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia.
B Coffey Environments, 126 Trennery Crescent, Abbotsford, Vic. 3067, Australia.
C Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, Scheveningseweg 58, Postbus 85980, 2508 CR Den Haag, The Netherlands.
D Corresponding author. Email: michael.g.sale@gmail.com
Australian Mammalogy 35(2) 227-230 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM12039
Submitted: 31 July 2012 Accepted: 13 November 2012 Published: 1 March 2013
Abstract
Multiple paternity within litters or broods occurs across a variety of taxa. In the present study, paternity patterns in the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus), a small carnivorous marsupial, were investigated using genetic analyses. Microsatellite data confirmed that, of 10 litters sampled from two habitats, a minimum of eight litters were sired by more than one male. Mating with multiple males may enable female swamp antechinuses to increase offspring viability and to ensure fertilisation.
Additional keywords: behaviour, dasyurid, mammal, reproduction, sperm competition.
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