Assessment of effects of breeding status on bone morphology of female Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) Project ID: 0000C1056 Public

138 Media · 36 Specimens · Managed by: Rachel Johnston

This project contains data for a peer reviewed published research study, the link for which is provided below. Damaraland mole-rats are highly cooperative, subterranean mammals that live in colonies in which a single female dominates breeding, while all other adult females suppress their reproductive axis, remaining as subordinate, nonbreeding helpers. We explored the consequences of breeding on bone growth and development in Damaraland mole-rats by experimentally assigning breeder versus non-breeder status to females. Experimentally assigned breeding status was maintained for over one year prior to collection and microCT scanning of the right tibia, right femur, lumbar vertebra 6, and lumbar vertebra 7.