DISCOVERING SECRET OF MANDRILL MATING.

A MONKEY species closely related to humans selects mates with genes that are different from their own to guarantee healthy and strong offspring, according to new research involving North East experts. The results of the study on mandrills support the disputed theory that humans are attracted to those with a dissimilar genetic make up to maintain genetic diversity. The research team, which involved scientists from Durham, Cambridge and Montpellier universities, and researchers in Gabon, Central Africa, analysed blood samples and reproduction patterns of around 200 mandrills living in Gabon.

Although it is not entirely clear how the females work out whose genes complement theirs, the researchers believe it might be done through smell. Monkeys know their own body smell, which is partly determined by their genes, and will sniff out the males whose body odour is different giving an indication that their genetic make up is likely to be unlike theirs, say the scientists. Lead author of the study, Dr Jo Setchell from Durham University's Anthropology Department, said: "This is an important advance in our knowledge of how mate selection works in monkeys. We now need to dig deeper and establish how they do this. I think smell is a strong candidate here."

According to the scientists, by choosing a partner with dissimilar genes, animals can increase their chances of their offspring being better able to resist disease.

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TAKE A SNIFF Mandrills are thought to use smell to find a mate.