When inequality is more than ‘skin-deep’: Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania

When inequality is more than ‘skin-deep’: Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania

A research consortium led by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) provide evidence that social behaviour and social status are reflected at the molecular level of gene activation (epigenome) in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. They analysed non-invasively collected gut epithelium samples from both high-ranking and low-ranking female hyenas … Read more