bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Responses of White‐crowned Sparrows to Songs of Different Dialects and Subspecies
Authors: Petrinovich Lewis , Patterson Thomas L.
Published: August 2010

The responsiveness of breeding pairs of White‐crowned Sparrows to songs of a different subspecies and to those of three different dialects was investigated. The Nuttall dialects used were the local San Francisco dialect, the adjoining Presidio dialect, and the distant Sunset Beach dialect. There was hardly any response to the alien pugetensis subspecies song, and little response to the distant dialect. The females responded more strongly to the adjacent dialect than to the local one. The males sang more to the local dialect but trilled and fluttered most often to the adjacent dialect. Problems with the use of playback experiments to draw conclusions regarding the functional significance of dialects are discussed.

An Brutpaaren des nicht wandernden Weißkopf‐Ammerfinken (Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli) wurden die Reaktionen auf vorgespielte Gesänge verschiedener Dialektgruppen untersucht. Alle Paare stammten aus der San‐Francisco‐Dialekt‐Zone. Sie reagierten kaum auf den Gesang der Unterart pugetensis, mehr auf den weiter entfernten nuttalli‐Dialekt von Sunset Beach. Die Weibchen reagierten stärker auf den benachbarten Presidio‐Dialekt als auf ihren eigenen, aber sehr schwach auf den Gesang vom weit entfernten Sunset Beach. Die Männchen sangen eifriger als Antwort auf den eigenen Dialekt; Triller und Flattern zeigten sie eher beim Nachbardialekt.

Bisherige Vorspielversuche mit verschiedenen Dialekten sind wahrschein‐lich nicht sauber, da der geographische Abstand und die Ähnlichkeit nicht getrennt wurden. Das muß man aber tun, ehe man Schlüsse aus Vorspielversuchen auf die biologische Funktion von Gesangsdialekten zieht.
The Relationship between the Motivation of Directed and Undirected Song in the Zebra Finch
Authors: Caryl Peter G.
Published: August 2010

The relationship between directed and undirected song in the zebra finch is investigated. A female elicits directed song and inhibits undirected song, but comparison of her effect with those of a model female or a male or female Bengalese finch shows that different stimuli are involved in the two processes. Both forms of song are influenced by androgens, but the correlation between individual levels of directed song (to a female) and undirected song (in isolation) is very weak, even though individual differences are consistent within each context. The results suggest that the types of song are largely independent in motivation.

Ungerichteter und Balz‐Gesang des Zebrafinken haben ähnliche Strophen, und beide sind androgenempfindlich. Frühere Experimente haben angedeutet, daß die auslösende Wirkung eines Weibchens auf Balzgesang zusammenhängt mit seiner Hemmung des ungerichteten Gesanges.

Um diese Beziehung zu prüfen, wurden die Auswirkungen eines lebenden Weibchens, einer Weibchen‐Attrappe und eines Japanischen Mövchens auf Balzgesang und ungerichteten Gesang verglichen. Weibchen und Attrappen lösten fast gleich wirksam Balzgesang aus. Der vom Mövchen hervorgerufene Gesang war bei weitem schwächer (Abb. 1) und qualitativ anders. Ungerichteter Gesang wurde durch Attrappe und Mövchen signifikant schwächer und kürzer gehemmt als durch das lebende Weibchen (Abb. 2).

Es bestand auch keine Wechselbeziehung zwischen einzelnen Merkmalen des ungerichteten und des Balzgesanges (Abb. 5), obgleich beständige, indivi‐duentypische Merkmale in jedem Gesangstyp vorkommen.

Beide Gesangstypen hängen zwar von Androgenen ab, werden aber von weitgehend verschiedenen Faktoren beherrscht. Die Motivation beider Typen wird verglichen und ihre stammesgeschichtliche Wurzel diskutiert.
Patterns of Singing in the Varied Thrush: I. The Similarity of Songs within Individual Repertoires
Authors: Whitney Carl L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

I present results in support of the hypothesis that song repertoires of male varied thrushes are organized to reduce stimulus generalization by other birds. The songs are simple tones, modulated in amplitude. Described along two dimensions, dominant frequency (Hz) and period of modulation (ms), the songs within repertoires are less similar than would be expected if they were drawn at random from all the songs in the population. This may enhance the effectiveness of repertoires in repelling other males and in attracting and stimulating females.
Local Contrast and Memory Windows as Proximate Foraging Mechanisms
Authors: Crawford Lawrence L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

A recent modification of optimal foraging theory has been a sliding “memory window” of prior patches visited to replace the absolute knowledge of patch profitability assumed by most versions of foraging theory. While this appears to be a more realistic demand on the predator's abilities to abstract and utilize environmental information, little is known about these abilities for most animals in the wild. A phenomenon from the operant conditioning laboratory (local contrast) yields remarkably pertinent data on this point. This paper outlines the similarities between memory windows and local contrast and discusses some of the implications for both foraging and learning theories.

Local contrast implies a time course to foraging except under the most unpredictable conditions. Memory windows imply no such time course.

Most predators examined in the laboratory from the viewpoint of optimal foraging theory have been generalists. Specialized feeders may exhibit different sorts of proximate responses to stochastic situations.

Manipulation of resource predictability may also serve to highlight differences between local contast and memory windows and between generalists and specialists.

More consideration should be given to the appropriate reinforcement schedule(s) used in laboratory simulations of foraging decisions. Seemingly minor changes in schedule contingencies may yield marked changes in response patters. “Hybrid” schedules may have to be devised to adequately mimic natural conditions.

Die meisten Versionen der Theorie des optimalen Nahrungserwerbs (optimal foraging) setzen eine vollständige Kenntnis der örtlichen Ergiebigkeit voraus. Die tatsächlichen Möglichkeiten des Lebewesens, derartige Informationen aus der Umgebung zu gewinnen und auszuwerten, passen aber wohl eher zur Annahme eines “gleitenden Erinnerungsfensters”; nur weiß man darüber von freilebenden Tieren fast nichts. Der “örtliche Kontrast”, ein Phänomen, das beim Erwerben bedingter Aktionen auftritt, kann hier weiterhelfen. Erörtert werden Gemeinsamkeiten des Phänomens mit dem Erinnerungsfenster und Folgerungen für die Theorie des Lernens und des Nahrungserwerbs.

Örtlicher Kontrast schließt einen bestimmten Zeitverlauf der Nahrungs‐suche ein (außer unter unvorhersehbaren Situationen), Erinnerungsfenster tun das nicht.

Die meisten Laboruntersuchungen zur Theorie optimaler Nahrungs‐nutzung benutzen Generalisten. Nahrungs‐Spezialisten könnten unter stochastischen Bedingungen anders reagieren.

Durch gezielte Veränderung der Ergiebigkeits‐Erwartung sollten Unter‐schiede zwischen Spezialisten und Generalisten, sowie zwischen örtlichem Kontrast und Erinnerungsfenster deutlicher hervortreten.

Bei Laborversuchen zum Nahrungsfinden sollte mehr auf die geeigneten Belohnungs‐Schematen geachtet werden; geringe Änderungen hier können starke Änderungen im Verhalten zur Folge haben. Misch‐Schematen könnten nötig werden, um natürliche Verhältnisse zu simulieren.
Effect of Anaesthesia of the Nasal Mucosae on the Homing Behaviour of Pigeons
Authors: Loale' Paolo
Published: August 2010

Two series of experiments were performed to check the effect of a reversible olfactory deprivation on the orientation ability of homing pigeons. An anaesthetic (xylocain) was applied to the olfactory membrane and showed a clear negative effect on the navigational capabilities of the birds. The anaesthesia affected both initial orientation and homing performance. The possible causes of differences with respect to the results obtained by other authors are discussed.

Zwei Serien von Versuchen wurden durchgeführt, um den Effekt eines reversiblen Entzugs des Geruchsinnes auf die Orientierungsfähigkeit von Brieftauben zu testen.

In der ersten Versuchsserie wurde die Nasenschleimhaut 5 min vor dem Auflassen mit einem Anästhetikum (Xylocain) behandelt. Die Versuchstauben waren im Gegensatz zu den Kontrolltauben nicht heimwärts orientiert, und ihre Heimkehrleistungen waren schlechter.

In der zweiten Versuchsserie wurden die Versuchstauben, die gleichzeitig mit Xylocain behandelt worden waren, zu verschiedenen Zeiten (5–113 min) nach der Behandlung aufgelassen. Die Desorientierung, die von Xylocain verursacht wird, nimmt mit der Zeit ab, aber sie ist im Verlauf der 2. h nach dem Versuchsanfang noch nicht beendet. Hieraus ist zu schließen, daß auch eine vorübergehende Ausschaltung des Geruchsinnes durch Lokalanästhesie der Nasenschleimhaut den Brieftauben die Fähigkeit nimmt, sich heimwärts zu orientieren, und ihre Heimkehrzeiten verlängert.
Division of Labor and Queen Influence in Laboratory Colonies of Polistes metricus (Hymenoptera; Vespidae)
Authors: Dew Heather E.
Published: August 2010

The role of the queen and her influence on worker behavior in laboratory colonies of the paper wasp Polistes metricus was investigated as part of a larger study designed to facilitate behavioral comparisons of this primitively eusocial wasp with the most studied eusocial bee Lasioglossum zephyrum. Queens of P. metricus were the most active individuals of the colonies and participated in all activities on the nest. Queens also accepted loads of prey from returned foragers more often than workers. Load receipts by queens of P. metricus were compared to forager leading behavior by queens of L. zephyrum. High rates of initial load acceptance may be one form of behavioral control of workers by queens.

Die Arbeitsteilung zwischen der Königin und den Arbeiterinnen geht bei Feldwespen weiter als bisher angenommen. Königinnen beteiligten sich an allen bekannten Aktivitäten auf dem Nest: Sie tauschten häufiger als die Arbeiterinnen Nährstoffe mit den Larven (Trophallaxis), bauten mehr Zellanlagen, beteiligten sich mehr am Weitergeben von Beute und von Baumaterial, zeigten häufiger die drei Formen von Vibrationsbewegungen, und sie verbrachten insgesamt mehr Zeit auf dem Nest als die typischen Arbeiterinnen. Allein die Königinnen legen Eier. In der Regel verputzen die Arbeiterinnen häufiger den Neststiel und belecken ihn und das Nest häufiger.

Als Erstempfänger werden diejenigen Individuen bezeichnet, die von heimkehrenden Sammelwespen direkt Beute oder Baumaterial übernehmen. Königinnen waren signifikant häufiger Erstempfänger als Arbeiterinnen; das wird mit dem Führungsverhalten der Königinnen bei Furchenbienen (Lasioglossum zephyrum) (BREED und GAMBOA 1977) verglichen. Die Königinnen der Feldwespe P. metricus haben als dominante Erstempfängerinnen die Möglichkeit, die Art und die Intensität des Verhaltens von Arbeiterinnen zu beeinflussen; das steht neben der Beeinflussung durch Pheromone. Rangordnungsbedingte Interaktionen zwischen Feldwespen (PARDI 1948; WEST EBERHARD 1969) sollten nicht nur im Zusammenhang mit der Evolution der Eusozialität gesehen werden, sondern auch im Zusammenhang mit der Kolonieintegration und Arbeitsteilung, mit anderen Worten, als einer von mehreren Mechanismen der Verhaltenskontrolle der Arbeiterinnen durch die Königinnen.
The Process of Species‐specific Song Recognition in the Skylark Alauda arvensis. An Experimental Study by Means of Synthesis
Authors: Aubin Thierry , Bremond Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2010

Skylarks have a very large repertoire and imitate the song of other birds. What is the algorithm used by the skylark for species‐specific recognition? We have performed playback experiments in the field with wild birds (14 experimental series, 170 individuals). Broadcasted signals were acoustical caricatures which had been composed synthetically. Conclusions relate to the rôle of syntax, figure morphology, time parameters, size of repertoire. We have demonstrated the strategy used by a bird that commands a very wide repertoire and compensates the difficulties of such a diversity by a large potential for generalization.

Résumé

Le chant de l'alouette des champs est très varié. Ses figures sont souvent empruntćes aux répertoires d'autres espèces. Dans ces conditions, nous avons essayé de comprendre quels sont les critères de reconnaissance spécifique de ces sons, empruntés à des espèces étrangères.

Nous avons diffusé des signaux expérimentaux dans les champs. Ces signaux sont d'origine entièrement synthétique.

Nous avons constaté que les alouettes accordent une grande attention au rythme et au tempo, dans la reconnaissance de leurs chants. La syntaxe n'a pas d'importance. La tolérance est très grande pour la bande de fréquence. Les oiseaux acceptent pratiquement n'importe quelle forme de figure; ces figures doivent simplement être modulées en fréquence, avec une fréquence porteuse qui oscille lentement. La tolérance à la monotonie est exceptionnellement élevée chez cette espèce. Les alouettes acceptent des signaux comportant un nombre très réduit de figures différentes. Même dans ce cas, la reconnaissance spécifique est la même que celle obtenue avec un chant naturel. Le facteur diversité du chant doit assurer d'autres fonctions que le marquage spécifique.

Der Gesang der Feldlerche ist sehr variabel und enthält viele Nachahmungen anderer Vogelarten. Wir haben versucht herauszufinden, woran die Feldlerche ihren arteigenen Gesang erkennt. Wir machten Vorspiel‐Experimente im Freiland und benutzten ausschlißlich synthetische Laute.

Die Feldlerche achtet sehr auf Rhythmus und Tempo. Syntax spielt keine Rolle. In der Tonhöhe gibt es eine große Toleranzbreite. Der Vogel akzeptiert fast beliebige Lautfiguren, wenn sie nur frequenzmoduliert sind auf einer variablen Trägerfrequenz. Die Feldlerche akzeptiert auch weitgehend monotone Gesänge; die Artkennzeichen sind dann dieselben wie bei den natürlichen variablen Gesängen. Monotonie zu vermeiden hat offenbar andere Gründe als die Arterkennung.
Social Organization in an Enclosed Group of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) on Rhum. I. The Dominance Hierarchy of Females and their Offspring
Authors: HALL MARION J.
Published: August 2010

Studies of the dominance hierarchy in red deer have mainly concentrated on the hierarchy among stags. This study aimed to investigate in detail the dominance hierarchy of a group of hinds and their offspring and to compare it between two feeding situations, one when the deer were browsing normally in a large area, and the other when they were competing for artificially provided food in a small area.
Memorisation des marques olfactives chez la Genette (Genetta genetta L.): durée de reconnaissance par les femelles de marques olfactives de males
Authors: ROEDER JEAN‐JACQUES
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Memorization of Scent Marks in Genets (Genetta genetta L.): Duration of Female Memory of Male Scent Marks The aim of this work was to study the memorization of scent marks of known males by females in genets (Genetta genetta L.). An attempt was made to determine how long, after separation from a given male, females could discriminate between his scent marks and those of strange males. Significant differences in sniffing duration at the scent marks were observed nine weeks after separation. These results showed that olfactory cues could permit individual recognition in genets, and that memorizing the scent marks could also act in the regulation of aggressive behaviour in free‐living animals.
Aggression and Mating Success in Three Species of Drosophila1
Authors: RINGO JOHN , KANANEN MARY KING , WOOD DAVID
Published: August 2010

Three closely related species of Drosophila: D. virilis, D. americana, and D. novamexicana, are known to differ in levels of male‐male aggression. Through direct observation in the laboratory, we attempted to determine and characterize the relationships between intrasexual aggression and mating success in males of each of these species. Our results indicated that the most important determinant of male mating success was not the amount of aggression performed by a male, but rather the amount of aggression directed towards him.
Sibling Recognition in Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia)
Authors: Beecher Inger Mörnestam , Beecher Michael D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Observations of the behavior of newly‐fledged bank swallows suggest that sibling recognition may be a mechanism promoting location of the home burrow in their large, dense colonies and of cohesion of family groups following departure from the burrow. We tested for sibling recognition in the field by comparing the antiphonal response of sibling groups to the recorded calls of own vs. unrelated sibling groups. Birds responded more to the calls of their own groups. In a laboratory experiment we raised chicks in isolation from 8–10 to 20 days of age and exposed them to a call of an unrelated chick. When tested in a choice situation at 15–20 days, chicks approached the familiar call in preference to a different call which they had not previously heard. We suggest that sibling recognition is based on familiarity, i.e., that it requires a period in which the calls of siblings are learned.
Male Reproductive Behavior of the Social Wasp Polistes fascatus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Post David C. , Jeanne Robert L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Populations of male Polistes fuscatus simultaneously exhibit two different mate‐locating tactics. Some males defend territories in female nesting and hibernation sites. These males frequently do not occupy the same territory each day, and they drag their gasters over perches, which may function to apply a secretion to the perch. Another segment of the population patrols large overlapping areas in female foraging sites. In contrast to territorial males, patrolling males do not rub their gasters on perches, and males seen on more than one day are tenacious to one area. Males in both sites are aggressive to other males and attempt to copulate with females. A laboratory study indicates that large males have an advantage in male‐male competition. The mean size of patrollers is smaller than that of territorial males, indicating that patrollers are competitively inferior males. Yet there is considerable size overlap of males between the two sites, suggesting that there is also overlap in the range of probability of mating success between the two sites.
A Case of Invalid Care in Wild Dwarf Mongooses
Authors: Rasa O. Anne E.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Invalid care has already been recorded for a group of captive dwarf mongooses and incorporated huddling round the sick animal, grooming it and giving it preferential access to food. The behavioural responses of a wild group towards an injured group member were essentially the same as described above. In addition, the group members restricted their foraging both spatially and temporally until the injured animal could accompany them normally. Invalid care in this species may be related to the importance of the presence of a large number of adults in the group, groups with few adults having less success in raising their young than larger groups and being especially vulnerable to terrestrial predator attack.
The Response of Corn Buntings to Playback of Dialects
Authors: Mcgregor Peter K.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The response to playback of three different dialects by 10 territorial male corn buntings was investigated; the dialects played were own dialect, the dialect of a neighbouring population (NEAR) and a dialect from 40 km away (FAR). A significant effect of dialects was found for two measures of response, latency and singing rate. Response strength varies in the pattern OWN > NEAR > FAR for these measures. This pattern of response would not maintain the observed homogeneity of dialect populations. The results are similar to those obtained by experiments on other dialect species.
The Social Behavior of two Species of Closely Related Leopard Lizards, Gambelia silus and Gambelia wislizenii
Authors: TOLLESTRUP KRISTINE
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The displays and social behavior of two closely related species of leopard lizards, Gambelia silus and Gambelia wislizenii, are described.

The main difference between the social behavior of the two species is the presence of home range defense in G. silus and the lack of it in G. wislizenii. G. silus is typical of iguanids in its use of displays and defense of a home range by males. However, G. wislizenii is unusual because both sexes display infrequently, the displays do not appear to be associated with interactions between conspecifics, and neither sex defends a home range.

Male G. silus are most likely defending an area where they can find a female on a day to day basis. The larger male home ranges included more females than the smallest home ranges. Food, burrows, basking, and shelter sites did not appear to be the primary defended resource.

The absence of home range defense in G. wislizenii is related to its diet of vertebrate prey, mode of foraging and poor visibility in the habitat. The costs of destroying its camouflage in terms of capture of prey and predator avoidance appear to be greater than the benefits of defending a territory.
Chorus Dynamics of two Sympatric Species of Ranidella (Anura): Within‐year and between‐year Variability in Organisation and their Determination
Authors: Nally Ralph Charles Mac
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Chorus dynamics of two sympatric species of anuran amphibians (genus Ranidella) were studied for four years (1977 to 1980) in central Victoria. Analyses of single‐species assemblages showed that 40 % of calling males were long‐term residents (> 40 days) in a given stretch of pond margin; the remainder appeared to be transients. Vocalizing males show strong fidelity to sets of discrete “calling stations”, characteristics of which did not appear to differ from intervening sections of pond margin. Nearest neighbour analyses revealed regular arrangement. Residents were sedentary, so that they often occupied a given station for two or more months. Calling stations were occupied by successions of males, so that changes in occupancy could be translated into transition matrices. Transitions that involved the retention or acquisition of stations by residents were regarded as “stabilising” transitions. These transitions were prevalent in the early and middle phases of breeding. “Destabilising” transitions, which involved the acquisition of calling stations by transients, were most common late in the breeding season. Transition matrices were similar from year to year and for both species at any one locality, but differed between localities. Analyses of between‐species dynamics showed that relationships differed from year to year, apparently in response to the severity of autumnal drought. Variable acoustic interaction is proposed as a mechanism by which these differences can be explained.

Aufbau und Veränderung der Ruf‐Chöre zweier sympatrischer Frosch‐Arten (Ranidella) wurden in vier Jahren in Victoria (Australien) untersucht. Rufende Männchen in monospezifischen Ansammlungen waren zu 40 % mehr als 40 Tage am gleichen Uferstück ansässig, die übrigen waren Wanderer. Männchen hielten sich treu an feste Ruf‐Orte, die sich nicht von anderen Uferplätzen unterschieden. Die Abstände zwischen nächsten Nachbarn waren gleichmäßig weit. Ansässige Männchen hielten einen bestimmten Ort über zwei Monate lang besetzt. Beibehalten des Ortes und Übernahme durch einen anderen Ansässigen waren typisch für die frühe und mittlere Brutzeit; Über‐nahme durch Wanderer war in der späten Brutzeit am häufigsten. Das genaue Wechselmuster war von Ort zu Ort verschieden, aber am selben Ort von Jahr zu Jahr und für beide Arten gleich. Unterschiede zwischen den Arten schienen je Jahr vom Grad der Herbst‐Trockenheit abzuhängen. Damit zusammen hängen offenbar die Unterschiede in den Ruf‐Interaktionen zwischen den Arten.
Premating Behavior in the Subgenus Limia (Pisces: Poeciliidae): Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Courtship
Authors: Farr James A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The sexual behavior and degree of sexual dimorphism in 6 species of the poeciliid subgenus Limia are described. Three species exhibit male precopulatory courtship displays and female choice of ♂ ♂. Courtship is lacking in the other three, where mating success is determined solely by intermale competition. The three courting species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. It is hypothesized that non‐courting species inhabit fluctuating environments where high levels of heterozygosity are adaptive; female choice and courtship have not evolved because ♀♀ cannot assess whether ♂ ♂ are genotypically different from themselves. Courtship and female choice evolved in more stable habitats where heterozygosity is less important than a single set of genes conferring maximum fitness in a single unvarying set of environmental conditions. Preliminary data on habitat of the 6 species support the hypothesis.

Das Sexualverhalten und der Sexualdimorphismus von 6 Arten der Poeciliiden‐Untergattung Limia werden beschrieben. Bei drei Arten balzen ♂ ♂ die ♀♀ an, und männlicher Paarungserfolg ist durch eine weibliche Mitwirkung bestimmt. Bei den anderen drei Arten fehlt eine Balz, und der Paarungserfolg hängt wahrscheinlich ganz von der Konkurrenz unter ♂ ♂ ab. Die drei balzenden Arten sind sexuell dimorph. Es wird die Hypothese entwickelt, daß nicht‐balzende Arten variable Habitate bewohnen, wo ein höherer Heterozygotie‐Grad adaptiv ist. Balz und weibliche Partnerwahl sind nicht entstanden, weil ♀♀ nicht unterscheiden können, ob ♂ ♂ genotypisch ungleich sind. Männliche Balz und weibliche Partnerwahl sind in stabilen Habitaten entstanden, wo Heterozygotie weniger adaptiv ist als ein einziges Genom, das eine maximale Anpassung an eine stabile Umwelt liefert. Zu der Hypothese passen (nach einer vorläufigen Beschreibung) die Habitate der 6 Arten.
Social Organisation in the Indian Wasp Ropalidia cyathiformis (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Gadagkar Raghavendra , Joshi N. V.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Multivariate analysis of time‐activity budgets of several individually marked adults of the primitively eusocial Indian wasp Ropalidia cyathiformis shows the existence of three behavioural clusters (or castes) which are called Fighters, Sitters and Foragers, after their most distinguishing features. The principal egg layers who are also the most dominant individuals are the Fighters. The Sitters are idlers who are speculated to be ‘hopeful queens’ and the foragers are the principal worker force of the nests. Such a behavioural differentiation does not normally appear to change drastically with age of the animal. Nor does it change when an individual leaves a nest and founds or joins a different nest. It probably could however change in response to major perturbations such as death of the queen. Males as a class do not form a separate cluster distinct from the females but may either be Sitters or Foragers. Comparison of these results with those of R. marginata, a related social wasp, whose queens are Sitters, suggests that there is a higher level of reproductive competition in R. cyathiformis.

Imagines der primitiv eusozialen indischen Wespe Ropalidia cyathiformis wurden individuell markiert. Ihre Zeit‐ und Aktivitätsaufteilung belegt die Existenz dreier Ethotypen (oder Kasten), die nach ihrem typischen Verhalten als Kämpfer, Sitzer und Futtersucher bezeichnet werden. Eierleger und zugleich die dominantesten Tiere sind hauptsächlich die Kämpfer. Die Sitzer sind “Faulenzer”, vermutlich künftige Königinnen. Die Futtersucher sind die hauptsächlichen Arbeitskräfte. Diese Verhaltensdifferenzierung scheint sich normalerweise nicht mit dem Alter der Tiere zu ändern. Das Verhalten ändert sich auch nicht, wenn das Individuum sein Nest verläßt und ein anderes gründet oder sich einem anderen anschließt. Es ist jedoch möglich, daß es sich als Reaktion auf einschneidende Zwischenfälle, wie z. B. Tod der Königin, ändert. Männliche Wespen bilden keine von den Weibchen unterschiedene Gruppe, sondern sind entweder Sitzer oder Futtersucher. Ein Vergleich dieser Ergebnisse mit denen bei R. marginata, einer verwandten sozialen Wespe, deren Königinnen Sitzer sind, weist darauf hin, daß bei R. cyathiformis ein stärkerer Fortpflanzungswettbewerb besteht.
The Behaviour of Adult Male Blue Monkeys
Authors: Tsingalia H. M. , Rowell T. E.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The significance of a one‐male troop organization in determining the reproductive success of adult male guenons is called into question by the observations reported here. A previously habituated blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) troop was observed for 6 months during which time 16 adult males associated with the troop and 9 were seen to copulate with about 6 of its 18 adult females which became receptive during the observations. For two years before the study there was only one adult male in the troop and the same male was again the only one present for several months afterwards. During the study this male ranked above all the others in terms of agonistic interactions, and copulated least frequently. The simple dichotomy between harem male and solitary male could not be applied in this population, and adult males were seen to maintain varied social relationships with each other and with the females of several adjacent troops.

Unsere Beobachtungen werfen Zweifel auf die Bedeutung der “Ein‐Männchen‐Gruppe” für den Fortpflanzungserfolg männlicher Meerkatzen. Eine Gruppe von Diadem‐Meerkatzen (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) wurde 6 Monate lang beobachtet: während dieser Zeit gehörten 16 erwachsene Männchen zur Gruppe, und 9 von ihnen kopulierten mit etwa 6 der erwachsenen Weibchen. Während der vorhergehenden zwei Jahre war nur ein erwachsenes Männchen in dieser Gruppe, und dasselbe Männchen war das einzige während einiger Monate danach. Während der Beobachtungszeit hatte dieses Männchen die meisten agonistischen Interaktionen und kopulierte am seltensten. In dieser Population zeigt sich kein Unterschied zwischen Harems‐Männchen und Einzelgängern. Erwachsene Männchen hatten verschiedene soziale Beziehungen miteinander und zu Weibchen mehrerer benachbarter Gruppen.
Ants as Prey of Juvenile Anolis lineatopus (Rept., Iguanidae) in Prey Choice Experiments
Authors: Vogel Peter , von Brockhusen‐Holzer Friederike
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

In prey choice experiments, hatchlings of Anolis lineatopus attacked ants less readily and spat them out more frequently than other arthropods. With rising ant body size (from 2 to 4 mm), the rate of hatchlings attacking the ants decreased rapidly (from 55 to 21 %), while the rate of spitting them out rose (from 0 to 52 %). Stinging ant species were attacked by hatchlings as often as similar sized stingless ones but were spat out more often. Older but still ant‐naive juveniles attacked ants progressively. The stinging Solenopsis geminata and the stingless Pheidole fallax are two ant species living syntopically with A. lineatopus. When the stinging species was offered exclusively, juveniles only very occasionally attacked it whereas they took considerable numbers of P. fallax when offered alone. A mixed offering of both species induced no consistent rejection of the stinging ant nor consistent acceptance of the stingless one. Experience with S. geminata restrained further attack on both ant species whereas experience with P. fallax encouraged it.

The results suggest that the attack on ants bears certain risks for a foraging anole that vary with ant weaponry. Hatchlings cannot distinguish between harmful and harmless species. This could explain their general reluctance to take ants. Up to a certain degree, older juveniles still mix up stinging and stingless ants and feed on them according to their prior experience.

In Beutewahlversuchen griffen Schlüpflinge von Anolis lineatopus Ameisen seltener an und spuckten sie häufiger aus als andere Arthropoden. Mit zunehmender Ameisengröße (von 2 auf 4 mm) nahm derAnteil der angreifenden Schlüpflinge rasch ab (von 55 auf 21 %), derjenige der ausspuckenden aber zu (von 0 auf 52 %). Stechende Ameisen wurden von Schlüpflingen zwar mit gleicher Häufigkeit angegriffen wie stachellose, aber häufiger ausgespuckt. Ältere, doch noch Ameisen‐naive Jungtiere griffen Ameisen zunehmend an.

Die stechende Solenopsis geminata und die stachellose Pheidole fallax sind zwei mit A. lineatopus syntop vorkommende Ameisenarten. Erhielten die Jungtiere nur die stechende Art, griffen sie diese nur selten an, fraßen aber beträchtliche Mengen der stachellosen, wenn diese allein geboten wurde. Eine gemischte Darbietung der beiden Ameisenarten führte weder zu einer beständigen Ablehnung von S. geminata noch zu einer beständigen Annahme von Pheidole fallax. Erfahrungen mit S. geminata hemmten weitere Angriffe auf beide Arten, während Erfahrungen mit P. fallax die Angriffe förderten.

Nach diesen Befunden ist der Angriff auf Ameisen, entsprechend deren Abwehreinrichtungen, für die räuberischen Anolis mit einem Risiko verbunden. Die Schlüpflinge vermögen nicht zwischen gefährlichen und ungefährlichen Ameisen zu unterscheiden. Dies könnte ihre generelle Abneigung, Ameisen anzugreifen, erklären. Ältere Jungtiere verwechseln in gewissem Maße immer noch stechende und stachellose Ameisen und greifen sie je nach früherer Erfahrung an.
Interspecific Differences in the Response of Female Birds to Song Repertoires
Authors: Searcy William A. , Marler Peter
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The functional significance of the wide variation between bird species in the sizes of individual song repertoires is not understood. We have studied the effects of song repertoires on females. Song triggers copulation solicitation display in female sparrows treated with estradiol. Song sparrow males (Melospiza melodia) have repertoires of about 10 song types, and female song sparrows display significantly more to presentations of large repertoires than to a single song type. By contrast, male field sparrows (Spizella pusilla) and white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) each have only one song type, and their females show no significant increment in responsiveness to repertoires of several song types over a single song type. Swamp sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) fall in between, with male repertoires of three song types. Female swamp sparrows behave in intermediate fashion, responding more to several song types than to one, but the response increment is less than in song sparrows. Thus species differences that males exhibit in song repertoires are paralleled by differences in female responsiveness to multiple song types, implicating variations in female reactivity in the evolution of song repertoires. Female song sparrows respond preferentially to repertoires programmed in eventual variety rather than immediate variety, while field sparrows and white‐throated sparrows show no discrimination.
Spatial Relationships and Social Organization in Adult Pikas: A Facultatively Monogamous Mammal
Authors: Smith Andrew T. , Ivins Barbara L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Adult spatial relationships and social organization in a marked population of alpine mammals, the pika (Ochotona princeps), were studied over a 3‐year period in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Home range size, distances between centers of activity of dyads, and weighted overlaps of home ranges of dyads were used to define space use patterns. Disappearance and establishment of individuals reflected the temporal component of space use. Relative frequencies of foraging (haying and feeding), surveillance, and communication (short calling, long calling, cheek rubbing) behaviors were recorded. Social relationships among adults were defined by agonistic interactions (aggression) and affiliative behaviors (social tolerance, vocal duets, copulations).

Males and females occupied individual home ranges of equal size on talus, their obligate habitat type. Adjacent home ranges were normally occupied by pikas of the opposite sex. Replacement of home ranges was always by a member of the same sex as the previous occupant. A high degree of affiliative behavior was expressed between spatially contiguous heterosexual dyads. Aggression was greater among intrasexual than heterosexual dyads, and spatial overlaps among intrasexual conspecifics were less than among heterosexual conspecifics.

Ecological constraints, such as the distribution of food (primarily located in meadows adjacent to the talus) and the short summer reproductive season (placing a premium on early appropriately timed litter;;) have apparently led to a facultatively monogamous mating system. Males can neither monopolize essential resources sufficiently to attract several females, nor defend groups of females as social repulsion among females further increases their dispersion.
Constancy of Basic Pattern in the Songs of two Populations of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). A Comparison of Song Variation between Sedentary and Migratory Populations
Authors: Adret‐Hausberger Martine , Güttinger Hans Rudolf
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The comparison of local song variations between a migratory and a sedentary population of starlings shows the species‐specificity of the basic categories and of their variation range. Local variations were studied for different themes in the repertoire, near Kaiserslautern (West Germany) during the reproductive season of 1982. Results were compared with those previously obtained in Brittany (France). In the study area in Germany, 80 % of the individuals migrate in autumn whereas the Breton starlings remain near the colony all year. To compare the whistles of individuals of different regions, by examing the important variations in their frequency modulation, it is necessary to know the general basic features of the whistles. Using sonograms, the whistles of starlings can be divided into 8 general classes according to particular criteria: rhythmicity, modulation etc. Five themes, among these 8 classes, are sung by all or most of the individuals (“specific themes”).

The analyses of whistles give us the following results:

The songs of the migratory population studied in W. Germany contain basic features corresponding to those known in the sedentary French population.

Like the Breton starlings, those in Germany show a “theme‐specific” dialect distribution: the rhythmic theme shows several variants in an area of a few km2, whereas the uniform simple theme presents only one variant over several 100 km2. For the five themes, the dialectal mosaic is totally different: two birds can have the same variant of one given theme and sing different dialects of another.

The themes which, in France, show a great number of variants over a small area present the same tendency towards strong subdivision in dialects in Germany.

In the two study areas, no correlation could be found between dialectal boundaries and ecological factors.

Considering that two starling populations with very different characteristics show such similarities in their basic song structures and also in their pattern of local variation (in the parameters concerned and in the sizes of the dialect areas) we may suppose that the basic structure of the specific themes could be determined by a genetic program. Some characteristics, like the precise details of the frequency modulation, may be due more to learning and may conform to the local dialect.
An Analysis of Vigilance in the Spanish Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Authors: Alados Concepcion L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Observation of ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in Cazorla and Segura (South‐eastern Spain) revealed a negative relationship when group size was plotted against individual time dedicated to vigilance and a positive one when plotted against time used for feeding. Generally, adults of both sexes were more vigilant than juveniles and more vigilance occurred in the morning than in the afternoon and evening combined. Peripheral animals were more vigilant than central ones.

The relationship between group size and vigilance rate shows that when mixed groups become large, and correspondingly when the level of interactions is frequent, the negative relationship observed between small group size and rate of vigilance is broken. This occurs during the rut, when the importance of the animals as look‐out also decreases if they are located at the periphery of the group, due to an increase in the interest in activities related to reproduction.

Beim Iberiensteinbock in Südostspanien nimmt mit der Truppgroße die Wachsamkeit der Individuen ab, ihre Freßdauer zu. Erwachsene beiderlei Geschlechts sind wachsamer als Junge, und alle sind morgens länger wachsam als nachmittags und abends. Individuen am Gruppenrand sind wachsamer als die im Gruppenzentrum.

In ganz großen gemischten Gruppen während der Paarungszeit folgt die Wachsamkeit diesen Regeln nicht. Dann ist die Aufmerksamkeit mehr auf die vielen Interaktionen in der Gruppe gerichtet.
Navigation in Juvenile Alligators
Authors: Rodda Gordon H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Few species have been shown to truly “navigate”, or go directly homeward from an area with which they have no familiarity. True navigation has been difficult to demonstrate in nature because a wild‐caught animal's lifetime area of familiarity is rarely known. Juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) remain in the vicinity of their nest for months or years after hatching so that the lifetime area of familiarity for such alligators is small and predictable.

Of 258 juvenile alligators displaced 2 to 20 home range diameters in central Florida, 73 were resighted at a place other than their release site. Of the 73, at least 46 returned to the site from which they had been captured and all but one of the others were resighted along a path between their release and home sites. Homing was not limited to any special conditions, although fewer animals completed their homeward journeys if a major habitat barrier blocked their homeward paths.

Homing rates were highly variable, but the higher rates denoted by resightings were consistent with the rates determined by radiotelemetry for juvenile alligators moving relatively long distances along a direct route. The alligators apparently did not have to search in order to encounter their home sites. These data suggest that juvenile alligators possess an ability to navigate.

Die Fähigkeit zu echtem Navigieren ist an wild lebenden Tieren schwer nachzuweisen, wenn man nicht weiß, in einem wie weiten Bereich ihrer Umgebung sie sich aus Erfahrung auskennen. Junge Mississippi‐Alligatoren bleiben Monate bis Jahre nach dem Schlüpfen in der Nestumgebung, kennen sich also nur in einem bestimmten, kleinen Bereich aus.

258 Jungalligatoren wurden über den zwei– bis zwanzigfachen Durchmesser ihres vermutlich bekannten Gebietes verfrachtet. 73 wurden danach an anderen als den Auslaß–Orten wiedergesehen; 46 kehrten zum Heimatort zurück, alle weiteren (bis auf einen) fanden sich auf dem Wege vom Auslaß– zum Heimatort. Die Heimkehrgeschwindigkeit war sehr verschieden, paßt aber zu radiotelemetrischen Messungen der Fortbewegung über längere Strecken auf direktem Weg. Offensichtlich haben die Tiere nicht suchen müssen, um heimzufinden. Junge Alligatoren haben demnach wohl ein Navigationsvermögen.
A Quantitative Study of the Division of Labour among Worker Honey Bees
Authors: Kolmes Steven A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

The division of labour among worker honey bees varies with external environmental differences and differences in hive “economy”. Worker bees experiencing a season of poor nectar and pollen supplies carried out fewer acts related to the acquisition and storage of materials in the hive than did worker bees living in a richer environment. Experimentally wax‐deprived colonies contained workers who carried out more activities associated with the building and replacement of missing cells than in control colonies. The behavioural transition between hive workers and older field bees was apparent under all of these circumstances. The temporal subdivisions of behaviour among hive workers sometimes reported in the literature were variable from one experimental condition to another and such inconsistencies are discussed.

Die Arbeitsaufteilung unter Arbeiterinnen der Honigbiene verändert sich mit Schwankungen in der Außenwelt und in der „Wirtschaftslage” des Bienenstocks. Bei geringem Nektar– und Pollenangebot verringern die Arbeiterinnen ihre Eintrage– und Einlagerungstätigkeiten. In Kolonien, denen man Wachs entzog, führten die Arbeiterinnen mehr mit dem Bau und Ersatz der fehlenden Zellen verknüpfte Arbeiten aus als in Kontrollkolonien. Die Übergänge im Verhalten von der Innendienst– zur Außendienst‐Arbeiterin waren unter alien diesen Umständen sichtbar. Die in der Literatur erwähnte Unterteilung des Verhaltens der Innendienst‐Arbeiterinnen wechselte mit der Versuchssituation. Das wird näher erörtert.
Different Observational Learning Capacity in Juvenile and Adult Individuals of Congeneric Bird Species
Authors: Sasväri Lajos
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

Since the adaptive significance of social organization is emphasized diversely in both anti‐predator behaviour and food searching of birds, measures and comparisons of observational learning capacity of various species are needed.

Four different experimental situations were built up for juvenile and adult individuals of tits (Parus major, P. caeruleus, P. palustris) and thrushes (Turdus merula, T. philo‐melos).

The birds learn more easily from conspecifics and learn easily when they already know a previous problem solving situation. The capacity of observational learning of the adult great tits surpasses that of adult blue tits and marsh tits, and that of the adult blackbirds exceeds that of the adult songthrushes. The higher performance of the great tit and blackbird can be related to their greater hemispheric index.

The differences in the learning capacity of the naive individuals of the three tit species and that of the two thrush species were not significant. It is suggested, that the higher observational learning of the great tit and blackbird is evolved through maturational processes and can be reflected by their greater adaptability.

Lernen durch Nachahmung wurde in vier verschiedenen Situationen mit jungen und alten Individuen von Meisen– (Parus major, P. caeruleus, P. palustris) und Drosselarten (Turdus merula, T. philomelos) untersucht. Die Vögel lernten besser von Artgenossen und lernten leicht, wenn sie vorher bereits eine Problemlösungssituation kannten. Die Lernfähigkeit (durch Nachahmung) alter Kohlmeisen übertraf die alter Blau– und Sumpfmeisen; die Lernfähigkeit alter Amseln übertraf die alter Singdrosseln. Die höhere Leistung der Kohlmeisen und Amseln hängt mit ihrem höheren Hemisphären‐Index zusammen. Naive Individuen der Meisen– und Drosselarten zeigten keine signifikanten Unterschiede in ihrer Lernfähigkeit. Es ist anzunehmen, daß die höhere Lernfähigkeit der Kohlmeise und der Amsel im Laufe der Entwicklung durch Reifungsprozesse zustande kommt und sich in ihrer höheren Anpassungsfähig‐keit widerspiegelt.