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Making progress in genetic kin recognition among vertebrates

Jane L Hurst1* and Robert J Beynon2

Author Affiliations

1 Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK

2 Proteomics and Functional Genomics Group, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK

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Journal of Biology 2010, 9:13 doi:10.1186/jbiol221

Published: 17 February 2010

Abstract

A recent study in BMC Evolutionary Biology has shown that genetically similar individual ring-tailed lemurs are also more similar in their scent composition, suggesting a possible mechanism of kin recognition. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal challenges ahead in achieving a true systems-level understanding of this process and its outcomes.

See research article http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/9/281 webcite.