麋鹿反捕食行为的进化适应及其与基因多态性的关系

Antipredator behavior is a key behavioral tactic for prey animals to escape predators. In predator-prey arms races, prey animals evolved adaptive characters in visual, auditory and locomotory organs, as well as antipredator strategies. Based on references, studies on adaptation of antipredator behavior and its mechanism of evolution have been increasing rapidly in recent years. One of the hotspots in studies of antipredator behavior is the evolution of antipredator behavior of preys that is isolated from their historical predators. Père David deer is one of the few species of large mammals that is extinct in the wild but safely preserved by ex situ conservation. Previous studies revealed that even after 1,000 years in captivity, Père David deer retain a memory of their ancient predator and behave antipredator response. Well then, what is the reason for the fact that Père David deer still keep such behavioral response to their historical predators? How about the ecological adaptation of antipredator behavior? What is the relationship between the evolution of antipredator behavior and predation pressure? Does genetic polymorphism play an important role in the evolution of behavior? To answer these questions, we will take experiments of stimuli of predator odors in some Père David deer populations. By observing antipredator behavior and monitor hormone secretion of Père David deer, we will study the physiological stress when the animals are under predation risk, and reveal the evolution of antipredator behavior in Père David deer. We will also study gene polymorphism and relate it to behavior and hormone secretion in Père David deer. These studies will help us to understand the effects of long-term captivity on behavior and endocrinology of Père David deer. Finally, we will discuss the evolutionary adaptation of behavior in Père David deer that is with low genetic diversity and have lived in the situation of predator pressure relax for many generations. This study will enrich the knowledge of behavioral ecology and benefit the management and conservation of endangered animals.

反捕食行为是猎物逃避捕食者的重要途径。在捕食者-猎物竞赛中，猎物进化出应对捕食者的适应特征和反捕食对策。近年来关于反捕食行为的研究集中在行为的生态适应性和进化机制等方面。一个热点是：猎物在与捕食者隔离情况下反捕食行为的进化。麋鹿被成功迁地保护，与其历史上捕食者长时间隔离。研究证实麋鹿对历史捕食者的声音和图像存有记忆，并表现出反捕食行为。那么，为什么麋鹿对历史捕食者仍有反捕食行为？反捕食行为有怎样的适应性？它们的保留和进化与捕食压力有何关系？遗传学基础如何？针对这些问题，我们将通过捕食者和人类气味刺激实验，监测麋鹿的反捕食行为和内分泌激素，研究捕食压力带给麋鹿的生理胁迫，揭示反捕食行为的适应性。我们还将分析特定基因，研究行为与基因多态性的关系，了解圈养历史对麋鹿行为的影响，探讨在捕食压力松弛和低遗传多样性背景下麋鹿行为的进化。研究结果将丰富行为生态学知识，对濒危动物的保护管理有理论探索意义。

反捕食行为是动物的重要社会行为。在捕食者-猎物竞赛中，猎物进化出应对捕食者的适应特征和反捕食对策。近年来关于反捕食行为的研究集中在行为的生态适应性和进化机制等方面。一个热点是：猎物在与捕食者隔离情况下反捕食行为的进化。麋鹿被成功迁地保护，与其历史上捕食者长时间隔离。研究证实麋鹿对历史捕食者的声音和图像存有记忆，并表现出反捕食行为。那么，为什么麋鹿对历史捕食者仍有反捕食行为？反捕食行为有怎样的适应性？它们的保留和进化与捕食压力有何关系？遗传学基础如何？针对这些问题，我们通过捕食者和人类气味刺激实验，监测了麋鹿的反捕食行为，并通过分析特定基因，研究了行为与基因多态性的关系。研究结果对了解圈养历史影响麋鹿行为，探讨在捕食压力松弛和低遗传多样性背景下麋鹿行为的进化等有所发现。在本项目资助下，我们还拓展研究了麋鹿的内分泌及其他社会行为，也研究了梅花鹿和喜马拉雅麝等动物的行为和遗传多样性，揭示了动物适应环境的行为学和遗传学机制。以上研究结果丰富了行为生态学知识，对濒危动物的保护和管理有理论探索意义。