bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alarm Calling in Richardson's Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii)
Authors: Davis Lloyd S. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryA three‐year field‐study of Richardson's ground squirrels was conducted to assess whether alarm calling functions to warn close relatives (“kin selection” hypothesis) or manipulate conspecifics (a “selfish” hypothesis).S. richardsoniihad distinct calls for terrestrial and aerial predators, and the responses of squirrels varied appropriately according to the context of calls, implying that calling conveyed correct information concerning the nature of the danger. Alarm calling elicited by naturally occurring encounters with potential predators during 454 h of observation, and by a thrown frisbee in 70 experimental trials, was not equally probable for all age/sex classes. Squirrels were most likely to call when they had offspring or siblings nearby, which is supportive of the hypothesis that alarm calling is maintained by kin selection. Adult males, residing in the vicinity of either their probable progeny or their nonlittermate half‐siblings, were the most likely age/sex class to call during the lactation period when young were below ground and were most vulnerable. I conclude that alarm calling by Richardson's ground squirrels is nepotistic rather than manipulative.
Structure and Use of Song in the Yellow‐headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
Authors: Cosens Susan E. , Falls J. Bruce 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryAnalysis of yellow‐headed blackbird songs indicated that accenting and buzzing songs differed in note structure, energy distribution, and loudness. Buzzing songs showed a shift in energy distribution as a result of propagation through marsh habitat whereas accenting songs did not. Results suggest that accenting songs should propagate further in marsh habitat than buzzing songs. Two experiments, done to test whether song types differed in functional distance, showed that the presence of a male song of either type, or a male or female model on their territories increased use of buzzing songs by males. In the absence of auditory or visual stimulation, males used mainly accenting songs. Results supported the hypothesis that buzzing songs are used primarily for short‐range interactions whereas accenting songs are used primarily for long‐range general advertising.
Sexual Interference and Sexual Defense in the Smooth Newt, Triturus vulgaris (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae)
Authors: Verrell Paul A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary

When a male smooth newt encounters a ♀ who is already engaged in courtship, he may mimic her behaviour during the spermatophore deposition and transfer stages of the courtship. He thereby usurps the courting ♂ and may inseminate the ♀ himself. Such sexual interference depresses the short‐term, and perhaps long‐term, mating success of the courting ♂.
In the presence of a potential rival, the courting ♂ alters certain aspects of his sexual behaviour. He displays more intensely to the ♀ and attempts to draw her away from the rival by increasing the duration of his display. He may also “check” that it is the ♀, and not the rival, who will elicit the deposition of a spermatophore from him. These changes in the behaviour of the courting ♂ are interpreted as defense against sexual interference.
Female smooth newts may be multiply inseminated as a consequence of sexual interference; this may result in sperm competition. However, ♀♀ seem to find competitive interactions between ♂ ♂ “aversive”.
Sexual interference by ♀‐mimicry and associated defensive behaviour patterns are common in the urodele amphibians. Interference can be thought of as a “side‐payment” conditional mating strategy.
Wie richtet eine Flußseeschwalbenkolonie (Sterna hirundo) ihr Abwehrverhalten auf den Feinddruck durch Silbermöwen (Larus argentatus) ein?
Authors: Becker Peter H. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryHow a Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) Colony Defends itself against Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus)The subject of this study is the anti‐predator behaviour of a small common tern colony near a large herring gull colony on the island of Mellum, West Germany (Fig. 1). In 1980 the number of gulls crossing this tern colony increased during the terns' chick‐stage (Fig. 4). Observed predation of tern chicks was independent of tide and time of day (3., Fig. 5). The frequency of tern reactions corresponded to the number of herring gull crossings (Fig. 5, Table 1). The terns' responses increased between morning and evening (Fig. 8).Tern up‐flights and attacks increased absolutely and as a percentage, with the advance of the breeding season (Fig. 3, 4). They were positively correlated with the observed chick predation and the number of pairs with chicks, most markedly with chicks older than 5 days (Figs. 3, 4; Table 1). This increased defence was maintained by fewer pairs as, by then, many had lost their own broods (Fig. 4). As the breeding season progressed, herring gulls increasingly became the main cause of tern up‐flights and the object of the attacks (Figs. 9–11). The up‐flights of the whole colony, which occurred frequently and spontaneously during incubation, were observed only rarely after hatching and were almost exclusively a response to herring gulls (Figs. 10, 12).The lower herring gulls flew over the colony, the more frequently common terns flew up or attacked and the more individuals were involved in these responses (Figs. 6, 13, 14). During the breeding period, communal up‐flights and attacks by terns increased as a percentage (Figs. 12, 13, 15–17). Group‐attacks effected changes in the gulls' flying‐routes more often than did individual attacks (Fig. 18).Despite the defence behaviour and its adaptation to the predation pressure, herring gulls often succeeded in robbing chicks. This is why the breeding success of the common tern was poor (< 0.4 chicks/nest). Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Large Scale Changes over 19 Years in Songs of Humpback Whales in Bermuda
Authors: Payne Katharine , Payne Roger 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and Summary163 songs of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) recorded near Bermuda during April and May of 13 years between 1957 and 1975 have been analysed as continuous sound spectrograms and compared. In each year's sample, all whales were singing basically the same song. However, the song was changing conspicuously and progressively with time so that songs separated by a number of years were very different in content. All the songs showed basic structural similarities so that it is possible to define a song form which characterizes songs from many years. We present some basic characteristics of the song form and consider the nature and extent of changes in content as a function of time. An analysis of the songs sung by groups of whales shows that normal singing continues even when whales are close enough, presumably, to hear each other. Such analysis demonstrates inter– and intra– individual variability, none of which is as great as the variation between songs of consecutive years. We do not understand the significance of changing songs. We know of no other non‐human animal for which such dramatic non‐reversing changes appear in the display pattern of an entire population as part of their normal behavior.ZusammenfassungIn 13 Jahren (1957–1975) wurden bei Bermuda, jeweils von April bis Mai, 163 Gesänge von Buckelwalen aufgenommen und analysiert. In jedem Jahr sangen alle Wale im Grunde denselben Gesang. Über die Jahre änderten sich diese Gesänge deutlich; Gesänge, zwischen denen mehrere Jahre lagen, waren deutlich verschieden.Alle Gesänge haben den gleichen Grundaufbau, an dem sich Änderungen über die Zeit aufzeigen lassen. In Walgruppen treten Gesänge auch dann auf, wenn die Tiere in Hörweite voneinander sind. Intra– und interindividuelle Unterschiede waren kleiner als die Unterschiede zwischen aufeinanderfolgenden Jahren.Die Bedeutung der Gesangsänderung ist unbekannt. Von keinem anderen Tier ist solche Weiterentwicklung eines Signalverhaltens einer ganzen Population berichtet worden.
The Role of Song and Vocal Imitation among Common Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Authors: Brown Eleanor D. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryThe song of the common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is examined as an intragroup bonding mechanism. The song repertoires of 3 social groups (4 tame siblings, 2 tame individuals, and one wild family of 6 birds) were studied over a 2½–year period. Data include information on group‐specific differences, changes during ontogeny, and contexts in which song occurs. Differences among song repertoires were correlated with membership in specific social groups; within one captive social group of siblings, sharing of song sounds changed over time and was related to social bonds between particular individuals. Use of song in various contexts indicated that it reduced aggression and facilitated affiliative behaviors among group members. Vocal imitation resulted in convergent repertoires subsequent to the introduction of previously unfamiliar birds. The possible significance of song and vocal imitation is discussed in relation to crow social structure.ZusammenfassungDas Gesangsrepertoire der Krähe Corvus brachyrbynchos wurde in drei sozialen Gruppen (4 zahme, handaufgezogene Geschwister; 2 zahme Individuen; eine freilebende, aus 6 Individuen bestehende Familie) über 2½ Jahre hinweg untersucht. Unterschiede im Gesangsrepertoire waren mit der Mitgliedschaft in einer bestimmten Gruppe korreliert: einzelne Elemente wurden von mehreren Individuen gesungen. In der Geschwistergruppe änderten sich die Gemeinsamkeiten im Laufe der Zeit, abhängig von den Sozialbeziehungen zwischen bestimmten Individuen. Aus dem Kontext, in welchem Gesang auftrat, läßt sich schließen, daß Gesang Aggression vermindert und Sozialbeziehungen innerhalb der Gruppe fördert. Wenn bislang fremde Krähen mit unterschiedlichem Gesangsrepertoire zusammengebracht wurden, war die Integration in die Gruppe zeitlich mit der Nachahmung von Gesangselementen korreliert und resultierte in einem gemeinsamen Gesangsrepertoire. Die mutmaßliche Bedeutung von Gesang und Gesangsnachahmung für die Sozialstruktur der Krähen wird besprochen.
Ichneumia alhicauda and the Evolution of Viverrid Gregariousness
Authors: Waser Peter M. , Waser Mary Sue 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryIchneumia are nocturnal, insectivorous, solitary, but in high‐density populations live in clans within which several females and their offspring forage independently in common home ranges. It is likely, though as yet unproven, that clans are matrilines and are formed when some female offspring fail to disperse from the natal home range. The social structure of Ichneumia suggests that social groups in other viverrids arose when selection simultaneously favored two independent behavioral tendencies: (1) natal philopatry (failure of some young to disperse), and (2) gregariousness. Prey characteristics are likely to have favored the former, safety from predators the latter. In this view, only the former process has been operative in Ichneumia.Lamprecht (1981, p. 178), summarizing data bearing on the advantages of group hunting in canids, felids, and hyaenids, has recently concluded that even among larger carnivores groups are sometimes “adapted to problems quite unconnected with hunting and feeding, such as protection from predators, or competing for territories or mates”. Evidently, his generalization fits group‐living viverrids as well. Ichneumia social structure suggests a route by which selection might have produced more complex viverrid societies.ZusammenfassungWeißschwanzmangusten sind nachtaktive Insektenfresser und leben solitär. Bei hoher Populationsdichte jedoch schließen sich mehrere Weibchen mit Nachkommen zu Clans zusammen und gehen zwar getrenntaber im gleichen Streifgebiet auf Nahrungssuche. Vermutlich sind diese Clans matrilinear verwandt und entstehen, wenn einige Töchter nicht aus dem mütterlichen Gebiet abwandern.Die Sozialstruktur der Weißschwanzmanguste läßt vermuten, daß die festen Sozietäten anderer Viverriden entstanden, wenn die Selektion Gruppen prämiierte und das Abwandern der Nachkommen erschwerte; Feindvermeidung scheint für das erstere, Nahrungserwerb für das letztere verantwortlich. Bei der Weißschwanzmanguste wirkt nur der Nahrungsfaktor.Wie weit Viverriden in ein allgemeines Gruppenbildungs‐Schema der Carnivoren passen, wird erörtert.
A Comparison of Frequency of Intra‐colony Aggressive Behaviours among Five Species of Polistine Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Itô Yosiaki 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummarySocial behaviours among adult females on multifemale‐nests of five paper wasp species were observed in Panama and Okinawa. Polistes Canadensis females showed, during the pre‐emergence period, severe overt dominance or aggressive behaviours at a rate significantly higher than four other species. The interrelationship among females of Ropalidia fasciata was notably mild during the pre‐emergence period. In Mischocyttarus angulatus and M. basimacula the relationships were also mild during the pre‐emergence period but became aggressive in the post‐emergence period. Polistes versicolor maintained its mild relationship through post‐emergence period. Typical depressive posture shown by subordinates of P. Canadensis is considered to be a ritualized behaviour which diminishes intracolony aggression. Evolution of pleometrosis (multiple egg‐layers on a nest) with rudimentary caste differentiation in social wasps through mutualism and parental manipulation was discussed.ZusammenfassungAn fünf Faltenwespenarten wurde das Sozialverhalten adulter Weibchen in Vielweibchennestern in Panama und in Okinawa beobachtet. Während der Vorschlupfphase zeigten Polistes canadensis‐Weibchen deutliches Dominanzoder aggressives Verhalten signifikant häufiger als bei den anderen vier beobachteten Arten. Weibchen der Art Ropalidia fasciata sind während der Vorschlupfphase untereinander auffallend unaggressiv. Ebenso unaggressiv war die Beziehung unter den Weibchen der Arten Mischocyttarus angulatus und M. basimacula; sie wurden jedoch während der Nachschlupfphase aggressiv. Polistes versicolor blieb während der Nachschlupfphase unaggressiv. Die typische Beschwichtigungsgebärde von subdominanten P. canadensis‐Weibdien sehen wir als ritualisiertes Verhalten an, das die Aggression innerhalb der Kolonie verringert. Die Evolution von Pleometrosis (d. i. mehrere Weibchen legen in ein Nest) bei sozialen Wespen mit rudimentärer Kastendifferenzierung durch Mutualismus und elterliche Manipulation wird diskutiert.
The Pooling Fallacy: Problems Arising when Individuals Contribute More than One Observation to the Data Set
Authors: Machlis L. , Dodd P. W. D. , Fentress J. C. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryIn ethological studies it is common practice to obtain multiple observations on each individual in a sample and to Pool these observations into one data set for statistical analysis. In this paper we argue that this procedure reflects a fundamental error in the logic underlying random sampling since it implicitly assumes that the purpose of data gathering in ethology is to obtain large “samples of behaviour” rather than samples of behaviour from a large number of individuals. That is, it is assumed that the reliability of estimates of population parameters can be increased by obtaining additional observations on individuals already in the sample rather than by increasing the number of individuals observed. Using a Monte Carlo simulation we show that when such Pooled data sets are analysed statistically, the probability of rejecting a true null hypothesis is almost always substantially greater than the stated alpha level.ZusammenfassungIn ethologischen Untersuchungen ist es üblich, von jedem Individuum einer Stichprobe mehrere Meßwerte zu gewinnen und für die statistische Analyse die Werte aller Individuen zu einer einzigen Stichprobe zu vereinigen („pooling”). Diesem Verfahren liegt, wie in der vorliegenden Arbeit gezeigt wird, ein fundamentaler Irrtum bezüglich der zufälligen Stichprobenauswahl zugrunde, da implizit davon ausgegangen wird, man müsse große Stichproben der Verhaltensweisen anstatt Stichproben des Verhaltens möglichst vieler Individuen sammeln. Damit wird angenommen, daß Populationsparameter zuverlässiger geschätzt werden können, wenn man mehr Beobachtungen am bereits in der Stichprobe vertretenen Individuen macht als wenn man zusätzliche Individuen beobachtet.Mit einer Monte–Carlo–Simulation wird gezeigt, daß die statistische Analyse solcher zusammengesetzter („pooled”) Stichproben fast immer eine wesentlich großere als die angegebene Irrtumswahrscheinlichkeit für („type I error”) ergibt.
Social Behavior of the Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) during the Breeding Season
Authors: Povilitis A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryBehavior of the huemul, Hippocamelus bisulcus, was studied during the fall rut in 1980, 1982, and 1983 at the Rio Claro, Chile. Data were acquired on group size and composition and on social relationships among tour bucks and three does, identified by natural markings. A range of behaviors involving interactions between animals of different sex and age groups were described and quantified. Huemul bucks, in tending individual does over extended periods of time, seldom courted more than one female. Estrus dates for one doc were determined in 1982 and 1983.ZusammenfassungDas Verhalten des Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) in der Paarungszeit wurde 1980, 1982 und 1983 am Rio Claro, Chile, untersucht. Direkt beobachtet wurde über 400 h lang in einem 275 ha größen Gebiet, das von 9 Tieren bewohnt war.71% der Gruppen bestanden aus Paaren mit jungen oder rangtiefen zusätzlichen Männchen; die Gruppen zählten 1–5 Tiere.Männchen warben um Weibchen von Mitte Februar bis Mitte April, schwächer bis zur ersten Juniwoche. Männchen schnuppern heftig an den Weibchen, berühren und begatten sie, folgen ihnen, flehmen, treiben usw. Weibchen weichen zunächst im Zickzack aus, laufen hinter Hindernisse oder unter diesen durch. Männchen versuchen selten, ein Weibchen von der Annäherung an ein anderes Männchen abzuhalten.Balzverhalten vor demselben Weibchen erreicht alle 10–12 Tage einen Höhepunkt, wohl im Zusammenhang mit der Follikelreifung. 22–16 Tage vor der Begattung warb ein dominantes Männchen ausschließlich um dieses Weibchen, später kamen andere Männchen dazu. Rivalen werden angegriffen und vertrieben; Drohungen oder Imponierstellungen sind wenig ausgeprägt, Ritualkämpfe selten. Männchen setzen Duftmarken, indem sie Gesicht und Kopf an Vegetation reiben.Männchen und Weibchen bleiben lange beieinander, zur Kopula kommen vornehmlich die dominanten Männchen, „heimliche” Begattungen von rangtiefen Männchen kommen vor. Die Männchen scheinen polygyn zu sein, doch gibt es umständehalber — besonders wegen geringer Populationsdichte — monogame Paare.
Individual Recognition of Helpers by the Breeders in the Cichlid Fish Lamprologus brichardi (Poll, 1974)
Authors: Hert Eva 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryIn the cichlid Lamprologus brichardi young fish help to rear their parents' new broods and defend the territory. Parents must be able to distinguish these broodcare helpers from other young fish to guard against egg predators and reproductive parasites. Various possible means of helper identification are discussed.Parents attacked their own helpers less often than strange young fish of the same size in standardized test conditions. Strange helpers were attacked more often than own helpers but less often than strange non‐helping young. Helpers behaved more submissively than other young of the same size not living in family groups. Simultaneous choice tests were carried out using one‐way reflecting foil to prevent exposed fish from seeing hence reacting to the breeding pair, yet the breeding pair obviously attacked its own helpers less often. Strange helpers and other strange controls were treated in the same way as each other. It was concluded that breeders recognize their helpers individually.ZusammenfassungBeim Cichliden Lamprologus brichardi beteiligen sich Jungfische an der Aufzucht von Gelegen ihrer Eltern und an der Revierverteidigung. Eltern müssen diese Brutpflege‐Helfer von anderen Jungfischen unterscheiden können, um sich vor Eiräubern und Fortpflanzungsparasiten zu schützen. Verschiedene Möglichkeiten für die Helfer‐Identifizierung werden diskutiert.Unter standardisierten Testbedingungen griffen Eltern ihre eigenen Heifer weniger an als gleichgroße fremde Jungfische. Fremde Heifer wurden zwar mehr als eigene, aber weniger als andere fremde Jungfische angegriffen. Heifer verhielten sich aber auch submissiver als gleichgroße Jungfische, die nicht in Familienverbänden lebten. In Simultan‐Wahl‐Experimenten wurde mit Hilfe von einseitig verspiegelten Folien die Sicht der Testfische zum Brutpaar versperrt. In dieser Situation unterschieden sich die Testfische in ihrem Verhalten nicht voneinander. Das Brutpaar griff dennoch den eigenen Heifer deutlich seltener an. Zwischen fremden Helfern und fremden Kontrollfischen unterschied es nicht mehr. Daraus wurde geschlossen, daß Brutpaare ihre Heifer individuell erkennen.
Two Modal Action Patterns with a Continuous Temporal Distribution
Authors: Bond Alan B. , Barlow George W. , Rogers William 
Published: August 2010

Abstract and SummaryMost methods of quantitative analysis of animal behavior assume that action patterns can be unambiguously classified into discrete, exclusive categories. This is not invariably the case. The digging behavior of the Midas cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum), for example, exhibits two functionally distinct modalities, scoop and pick, that intergrade continuously in form but are separable probabilistically. We present a technique for analyzing such behaviors that provides a reliable basis for formulating and verifying categories and allows a quantitative assessment of functional dissimilarity.ZusammenfassungDie meisten Methoden quantitativer Verhaltensanalysen setzen eindeutige Klassifizierung der Verhaltensweisen in sich wechselseitig ausschließende Kategorien voraus. Die sind aber nicht immer gegeben. Das Graben des Midas‐Cichliden Cichlasoma citrinellum wird in zwei funktional verschiedenen Weisen ausgeführt, „Schaufeln” und „Picken”, die der Form nach ineinander übergehen und nur statistisch unterscheidbar sind. Eine Analysetechnik für solche Fälle wird vorgestellt, die eine verläßliche Basis für eine Kategorienbildung bietet und eine quantitative Einschätzung der funktionalen Unterschiede dieser Verhaltensweisen erlaubt. Die nachfolgende Faktorenanalyse bestätigte die funktionale Unterscheidung der beiden Endhandlungen (Modal Action Patterns). Das Verfahren scheint allgemein anwendbar.