The vomeronasal organ and the role of pheromones in the reproduction of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii

Abstract

© 2008 Dr. Nanette Yvette SchneiderOdours are important for successful reproduction. The main olfactory system is responsible for smell detection but the vomeronasal system (VS) can detect sexual pheromones. This study investigated the development and function of both systems in the tammar using morphological, physiological, behavioural and genetic approaches. Male tammars had a well developed VS that appears to detect the reproductive state of females. Both olfactory systems are functional at birth and odours appear to guide the young to the pouch