Observations and Experiments on Mating Behavior in Female Mammals

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Abstract
A review. The behavior displayed at the time of estrus is described for the $ mammals for which data are sufficient to permit a characterization of the species. Reasonably comprehensive information exists for the rat, guinea pig and rabbit among the rodents; sheep, cattle, pigs and horses among the ungulates; the cat and dog among the carnivores; and the howler monkey, rhesus monkey and chimpanzee among the infrahuman primates. Each species displays a characteristic pattern of behavior within the framework of which considerable individual variation is shown. This variation is greatest among the infrahuman primates, the circumstance being attributed to the greater plasticity of behavior in spp. at this phylogenetic level. In a satisfactory number of spp. the behavior associated with estrus is easily identified and well adapted to investigation by quantitative methods. In mammals which have been studied estrous behavior has an endocrine basis. It is abolished by removal of the ovaries and restored by suitable replacement therapy. Little is known about the mechanism of hormone-action; it appears to be mediated by a neural center or centers in the hypothalamus or even farther back in the mesencephalon. but much more is involved. Physiol. factors in addition to. those of endo-crinal origin undoubtedly affect the character of estrus. Social and other environmental influences are assumed to be important, particularly in members of the higher orders. Finally, individual differences that are a matter of age or differences that may be of genetic origin do much to determine the nature of the response which is shown. If any trend is evident beyond attempts to learn more about sex hormone action per se, it is an effort to ascertain more precisely the part played by these other factors.

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