Female reproductive synchrony

In two other studies, characteristics of the estrous cycle and influence of social factors on estrous cyclicity were assessed. It was found that estrous synchrony occurred in females (Fadem and Ra3rve, 1985), and that female reproduction was activated by olfactory contact with males (Fadem, 1985). It is of interest that these studies provide the first evidence for an effect of olfactory communication on female reproductive physiology in a marsupial. 

The vomeronasal system is necessary in mediating a variety of reproductive behaviors-behaviors which are clearly sexually dimorphic. A male garter snake, for example, requires an intact vomeronasal system to court a female (Kubie et al., 1978). Female mice undergo several effects in response to pheromones of male conspecifics, including induction of estrus, estrus synchrony (in group-housed females), and pregnancy... 

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