Zirva Tahir

Mating patterns of wild mice: Does imprinting enhance inbreeding avoidance?

Welcome to the intriguing world of wild mice and their fascinating mating patterns! I’m Zirva, a student from Pakistan, and I had the incredible opportunity to delve into this captivating subject at the esteemed Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology in Vienna. Have you ever wondered how these mice navigate the complexities of familial connections in their quest for reproduction? Well, get ready to uncover some fascinating insights! My research project focuses on a thought-provoking question: “Does imprinting play any role in enhancing inbreeding avoidance among wild mice?” Specifically, I aimed to investigate whether paternally exposed female mice exhibit a clever strategy to prevent mating with their own fathers and brothers. Join me as I unravel the mysteries behind these tiny mammals’ remarkable ability to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.