Adaptive significance of the copulatory behavior pattern of male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) in relation to induction of ovulation and implantation in females.

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Abstract
The adaptive significance of 2 attributes of the male copulatory behavior pattern, its elaborateness and distinct temporal patterning, was investigated in relation to the induction of ovulation and implantation in females. The elaborateness of the male behavior pattern, as evidenced by extensive pre-ejaculatory behavior and multiple ejaculatory series, was necessary for maximal ovulation and implantation in meadow vole females, especially older females. Male meadow voles were able to elicit ovulation and luteal activation in females of 2 other Microtus spp. [M. ochrogaster, M. montanus], even though the temporal patterning of male meadow vole behavior was completely different from the pattern of the female''s conspecific males. Implantation did not occur apparently because of incomplete ova development. In Microtus a coadaptation may exist between male behavior pattern and female stimulation requirements with respect to amount of stimulation but not to the specific temporal patterning of the stimulation. It is unlikely, that the different patterns of male copulatory behavior in Microtus would be effective in maintaining reproductive isolation among sympatric species.