bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Courtship Display in a Natural Population of Crested Newts, Triturus cristatus
Authors: Hedlund Linda 
Published: May 2010

AbstractField observations of courtship displays in a natural population of crested newts, Triturus cristatus, are described. Males were observed both courting females and displaying to other males, and male: male interactions were as frequent as courtships. Many courtships were also interrupted by intruding males, and courtship success was less than 7%. A comparison is made with aquaria studies, which shows that the presence of more individuals in the field, where newts aggregate in leks when breeding, is influencing male behaviour. On the other hand, the different features of the displays observed in the field did not differ to any major extent from behaviour patterns observed in aquaria studies.
Mating in the Scaly Cricket Cycloptiloides canariensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Mogoplistinae)
Authors: Dambach Martin , Beck Ute 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe process of mating in C. canariensis follows basically the same pattern as in other crickets: adoption of the female‐above‐male position, hooking of the male onto the female's subgenital plate, spermatophore transfer, and separation of the mates. Two crucial modifications can, however, be distinguished: Hooking is not accomplished by means of a sclerotized process from the protruded epiphallus, but with paired hooklets on the paraproct (paraproct processes; sternite 11). The paraproct processes are about 0.4 mm long and covered with bristles, and a group of campaniform sensilla is found in the tip region. The time course of copulation is also modified. Usually, in crickets an already fully formed spermatophore is transferred immediately after mounting, and remains attached for a considerable period. C. canariensis, however, needs about 15 min for spermatophore production, while the couple is already hooked. After transfer the spermatophore remains attached only for an average of 31 s. With both hooklets severed, copulation is unsuccessful. Severance of only one hooklet prolongs the initial hooking phase but shortens the following interval, which suggests that spermatophore production is triggered during a definite interval before hooking, and continues as an autonomous internal process.
Mating System of the Bat Miniopterus minor (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Kenya, East Africa: a Lek?
Authors: McWilliam Andrew N. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe mating system of a migratory bat, Miniopterus minor, was studied in coastal Kenya, East Africa. Although this small (6.3 g) cavernicolous bat is not sexually dimorphic in size, aggregations of males secreted a pungent odour during their annual occupation of a particular erosion hollow, which appeared to function as a lek. This site was monopolized, for some two months before mating, by a group of about 30 adult males that were highly site specific for the cave. These bats were heavier than unsuccessful males and, having occupied the lek one year, were more likely to gain access to it in subsequent years. Potential determinants of the mating system are discussed in relation to observations of other miniopterene bats.
The Mechanism of Queen Regulation of Foraging by Workers in Paper Wasps (Polistes fuscatus, Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Gamboa George J. , Wacker Tracy L. , Scope Julie A. , Cornell Thomas J. , Shellman‐Reeve Janet 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe examined how queens of the primitively eusocial wasp, Polistes fuscatus, stimulate foraging by workers in 10 small, post‐worker‐emergence field colonies. We experimentally increased colony needs, including needs of the brood, by removing a colony's most active foragers (thereby decreasing the colony's foraging rate), and found that the queen significantly increased both her level of activity and rate of aggressive interactions. Most aggressive interactions were directed at dominant workers. Removal of a colony's least active foragers, however, produced no such effect. Our results, together with those of Reeve & Gamboa (1983, 1987), indicate that queens are sensitive to brood needs, and that they behaviorally regulate worker foraging to match brood needs by increasing their level of activity and rate of aggressive interactions.
Homing in the Digger WaspBembix rostrata(Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) in Relation to Sex and Stage1
Authors: Tengö Jan , Schöne Hermann , Chmurzyński Jerzy 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn the digger waspBembix rostratain males and females of different stages the homing rates and times after release from different distances were investigated.The homing rate decreased with increase of distance (up to 3000 m).In females the homing rate increased with progressing stage, from emerging over digging to provisioning.Numbers for homing times followed the same order: highest in emerging, medium in digging and lowest in provisioning females.Males showed similar homing rates as digging females. No significant differences between age groups could be found.The results indicate an effect of sex and stage on the homing capacity. Differences may be traced back to motivation (provisioning females) and lack of experience (emerging females). Landmark orientation, which may include particular search strategies, is a probable orientation mechanism.
Orientation Cage and Release Experiments with Migratory Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) in Scandinavia and Greenland: The Importance of Visual Cues
Authors: Ottosson Ulf , Sandberg Roland , Pettersson Jan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMigratory orientation of Scandinavian and Greenland wheatears was recorded during the autumn migration periods of 1988 and 1989. Orientation cage tests were conducted under clear sunset skies, to investigate the importance of different visible sky sections on orientation performance. In addition, wheatears were released under clear starry skies and under total overcast to examine the orientation of free‐flying birds. The following results were obtained:Wheatears tested with a restricted visible sky section (90° centered around zenith) in orientation cages, showed a mean orientation towards geographic W/geomagnetic NW (Greenland) and towards geographic and magnetic WNW‐NW (Sweden). These mean directions are clearly inconsistent with the expected autumn migration directions, SW‐SSW in Scandinavia and SE in Greenland, as revealed by ringing recoveries for the two populations.When the birds were allowed a much more extensive view of the sky, almost down to the horizon (above 10° elevation), Scandinavian wheatears chose headings in agreement with ringing data. Greenland birds were not significantly oriented.Release experiments under clear starry skies resulted in mean vanishing directions in good agreement with ringing data from both sites. Greenland wheatears released under total overcast showed a similar orientation as under clear skies, indicating that a view of the stars may not be of crucial importance for selecting a seasonally accurate migratory direction.The results suggest that an unobstructed view of the sky, including visual cues low over the horizon, is important, possibly in combination with geomagnetic cues, for the orientation of migratory naive wheatears. Furthermore, the birds showed remarkably similar orientation responses in Greenland and Scandinavia, respectively, indicating that they use basically the same orientation system, despite considerable differences in visual and geomagnetic orientation premises at the two different geographic and magnetic latitudes.
Sulcopolistes atrimandibularis, Social Parasite and Predator of an Alpine Polistes (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)1
Authors: Cervo Rita , Lorenzi Maria Cristina , Turillazzi Stefano 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSulcopolistes atrimandibularis Zimmermann is the obligate social parasite of Polistes biglumis bimaculatus Geoffry in Furcroy, a mountain species of paper wasp. Unlike all the other hymenopteran social parasites, the Sulcopolistes female obtains part of the food for her immature brood by plundering other nests of the host species. Parasite females can control more than one host nest: one of them (the nursery nest) she uses solely for reproduction purposes (from which the Sulcopolistes reproductives emerge) and others (supply nests) are used for exploiting the Polistes brood content. It is possible that this behaviour is an adaptation to the extremely short colonial cycle of the host.
Suckling Behavior of the Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
Authors: Babbitt Kimberly J. , Packard Jane M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBased on Trivers' (1974) theory of parent/offspring conflict, we predicted that weaning would be accelerated under poor dietary conditions in an aseasonally breeding, monomorphic ungulate, the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu). Suckling behavior was observed in 18 captive litters under a dietary treatment of high or low protein formulated to mimic forage under ecological conditions of normal rainfall vs. drought. Litters on the low protein diet weaned later (mean of 27 weeks) than litters on the high protein diet (mean of 21 weeks). Other indices of cumulative suckling effort (weaning weight, cumulative minutes suckling, cumulative bouts) did not differ between dietary treatments. No differences in suckling effort were found relative to offspring sex or litter size. Milk did not completely compensate for the low protein diet affecting growth of young in the second and third phases of lactation. Some nursers did not conserve bodily resources as would be expected if the benefits of short interbirth intervals outweighed the costs of lactation during unpredictable drought conditions.
Recognition of Predator and Competitor Calls in Nonhuman Primates and Birds: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Hauser Marc D. , Wrangham Richard W. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractField playback experiments were conducted in the Kibale Forest, Uganda to determine whether three monkeys (redtail monkeys, blue monkeys, and red colobus monkeys) and one bird (great blue turaco) [1] respond with flight and/or increased vigilance to exemplars of calls given by potential predators (crowned eagle, chimpanzee) and [2] respond differently to food competitors vs. noncompetitors (black‐and‐white casqued hornbill, chimpanzee vs. red colobus). Because the chimpanzee is both a potential predator of all subject species and a food competitor of blue and redtail monkeys and great blue turacos, we also examined whether chimpanzee calls induced responses appropriate to potential predation or competition. Each subject species responded differentially to the calls of potential predators, competitors and noncompetitors. Thus, acoustic cues appeared sufficient for the detection of predators and competitors.
Constraints on Size‐assortative Mating in the Blister Beetle Tegrodera aloga (Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: Brown William D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe mating system of Tegrodera aloga is similar to other blister beetles that have evolved sizeassortative mating in that males pass a cantharidin‐rich spermatophore to their mates and females vary in size and fecundity. Despite this, previous studies found no assortative mating in this beetle. Results of this study suggest that nonassortative mating is not due to absolute constraints on mate choice. Males courted large females more frequently than small females, suggesting that males prefer big mates. Similarly, female choice is suggested by a large‐male mating advantage in the absence of size‐related male‐male competition. In contrast to previous work, my results suggest that assortative mating may occur under certain conditions and may be due to large‐phenotype mating advantages. The question remains, why does assortative mating occur only some of the time? One hypothesis is that assortative mating breaks down when sex ratios become male biased and males no longer discriminate between mates. However, although sex ratios can vary from day to day, assortative mating is not associated with periods when females outnumber males. Rather, the pattern appears to be associated with times of low overall population density. Hypotheses for density‐dependent assortative mating are presented.
Courtship Behaviour and Mating in Two Cow Dung Inhabiting Sphaerocerid Flies (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)
Authors: Lachmann Anja 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAdults and larvae of Coproica lugubris and Chaetopodella scutellaris (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) occur in great numbers on cow droppings. Courtship behaviour and copulation were analyzed and compared. Striking differences were found in the complexity and number of courtship patterns. In contrast to C. lugubris, where males usually mount females without performing any displays, courtship of Ch. scutellaris is rather complex: a male approaches a female and positions himself facing her; he then starts to circle her in a fashion very similar to a male courtship pattern in Drosophila species. Females usually respond to circling with a typical behaviour pattern I called swaying. Its function is discussed. The complex courtship behaviour of Ch. scutellaris is interpreted as a mechanism for female choice. In Ch. scutellaris copulation takes about 60 min longer than in C. lugubris, but the mechanism based upon this obvious difference is not understood. Females of both species can effectively prevent males from copulating.
What is Communicated in the Antipredator Calls of Lemurs: Evidence from Playback Experiments with Ringtailed and Ruffed Lemurs
Authors: Macedonia Joseph M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTwo hypotheses of signal specificity in antipredator calls (“referential signalling” and “response urgency”) are discussed in light of prior research on ground squirrels and vervet monkeys. These hypotheses then are examined with data on responses of semi‐captive ringtailed and ruffed lemurs to antipredator call playbacks. Although the responses of ringtailed lemurs support a referential‐signalling interpretation of their antipredator calls, those of ruffed lemurs do not conform well to either hypothesis. Rather, ruffed lemur antipredator calls seem best viewed as “affective” signals that may only reflect underlying emotional/motivational states.
Development of Early Vocalizations and the Chick‐a‐dee Call in the Black‐capped Chickadee, Parus atricapillus
Authors: Clemmons Janine , Howitz James L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe chick‐a‐dee call of the black‐capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) is composed of discrete elements, or notes, that are combined to form hundreds of different calls. To investigate the development of this complex call, 12 families of color‐marked chickadees were observed and recorded in the wild. Vocalizations were monitored for 18 d in the nest and 14–18 d postfledging. Most vocalizations of nestlings and fledglings were associated with feeding. At hatching, vocalizations consisted of a structurally simple note type that became more complex and variable with age. Around 9–12 d, the development of the call occurred, when single notes became organized into a multiple‐note unit. Notes within the call differentiated into higher frequency, rapidly modulated initial note types and a lower frequency, moderately modulated terminal note type, features also present in adult chick‐a‐dee calls. Several adult‐like calls including chick‐a‐dee calls, fee‐bee songs, and a subsong‐like vocalization developed prior to fledgling dispersal. Based on resemblances of note structure and general call structure, the chick‐a‐dee call appeared to develop from calls of nestlings and fledglings, although not necessarily in a chronologically linear progression. Some features of the chick‐a‐dee call closely resembled features of older nestling and fledgling calls, while other features more closely resembled the sounds of very young nestlings. Vocal development in the chickadee is compared with song and call development in other species, and the possible significance of acoustic resemblances between chick‐a‐dee calls and the food‐associated calls of nestlings and fledglings is discussed.
Seasonal Grouping in Female Moufflons in Relation to Food Availability
Authors: Bon Richard , Gonzalez Georges , Im Sotan , Badia Jacques 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe social behaviour of ungulates is very often explained by feeding resources. This appears more striking for females since reproduction is very costly in energy terms. We expect female group size to be directly dependent on food availability. Our results on moufflons show that ewe gathering supports this hypothesis during spring, summer and autumn. However, our winter results are contradictory since we observed a stronger tendency of ewes to gather during this season. In the light of recent papers, other ecological or social parameters are discussed to explain this phenomenon.
The Pattern of Helping in the Bell Miner Revisited: A Reply to Jamieson and Craig
Authors: Clarke Michael F. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractJamieson & Craig (1987) have argued that the feeding of nestlings by nonparental birds may simply be an unselected consequence of delayed dispersal in cooperatively breeding birds in which philopatric individuals are responding to the stimulus of begging young in their vicinity (see also Jamieson 1986, 1989). Jamieson & Craig (1990) recently criticized my attempt to examine what they describe as this “unselected” hypothesis of Williams (1966) and several selectionist (or adaptive) hypotheses for the current utility of helping behaviour in the bell miner (Manorina melanophrys) (Clarke 1989). In this paper I address specific issues raised by Jamieson & Craig (1990), especially whether the unselected hypothesis is an adequate explanation of the pattern of helping in the bell miner. I will also attempt to highlight the difficulty of formulating specific predictions from the unselected hypothesis and the apparent ease with which it can be modified to accommodate departures from its general predictions.
The Influence of Age, Sex, and Rank on Yawning Behavior in Two Species of Macaques (Macaca fascicularis and M. fuscata)
Authors: Troisi Alfonso , Aureli Filippo , Schino Gabriele , Rinaldi Fabio , de Angelis Nicoletta 
Published: May 2010

AbstractYawning behavior was studied in two species of macaques: the long‐tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and the Japanese macaque (M. fuscata). Japanese macaques yawned much more than long‐tailed macaques. Age, sex, and dominance rank exerted different effects on yawning in the two species. In the long‐tailed macaques, sex differences in frequency of yawning emerged only after sexual maturity; yawning rates increased significantly in both males and females as they reached sexual maturity; and, among males, dominance rank was positively correlated with frequency of yawning. Differently, in the Japanese macaques, males, both mature and immature, yawned more than same‐aged females; sexual maturity was associated with an increase in yawning in males only; and male rank did not correlate with the frequency of yawning. Regardless of interspecific differences, the overall results supported only in part the finding that, in Old World monkeys, yawning is largely influenced by plasma concentrations of androgens. There was evidence that social factors were also important in influencing the age‐sex class distribution of yawning.
Temperament in a Fish: A Longitudinal Study of the Development of Individual Differences in Aggression and Social Rank in the Midas Cichlid
Authors: Francis Richard C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA longitudinal design was applied in a study of the development of individual differences in aggression, and their relationship to growth and sexual differentiation in the Midas cichlid, Cichlasoma citrinellum. Weight and standard length measurements, as well as several measures of aggression, were obtained at regular intervals. Size ranks within groups were stable over a period spanning an early juvenile phase through sexual maturity. Two of three aggression rank scores were also stable over this interval, but they did not relate in any direct way to social rank. As juveniles, males showed higher levels of aggression than females, but the reverse was true in adults. This sex‐specific developmental change resulted both from an increase in female aggression at sexual maturity and a decline in male aggression at sexual maturity. Individuals showed distinct and stable behavioral profiles with respect to the combined aggression tests.
Filial Cannibalism in the Biparental Fish Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Response to Early Brood Reductions
Authors: Lavery Robert J. , Keenleyside Miles H. A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFilial cannibalism (eating one's own offspring) may enhance a parent's lifetime reproductive success if the costs associated with this behaviour are outweighed by its benefits. An organism might limit its parental care to relatively high quality offspring and eat the others. Or, an organism capable of repeated breeding in the same season might eat the survivors of a brood that was reduced by predators, and breed again. In this study, we manipulated brood size of convict cichlids by removing 0 % (control), 33 % (ER 33) or 66 % (ER 66) of the eggs spawned. The results show that smaller broods are more likely to be cannibalized by their parent(s) than are larger broods. Furthermore, pairs with reduced broods were preparing to respawn; female gonad weights were significantly higher in the brood‐reduction groups than in the control group. In a second experiment, we show that the behaviour of the parents differed significantly between experimental groups; the ER 66 group performed less parental care than the control group. Moreover, females invested more parental effort than males. The results suggest that filial cannibalism may be a tactic used by parental convict cichlids to enhance their lifetime reproductive success.
Mothers' Egg‐pooling and Aposematic Offspring's Gregariousness: Cui bono?
Authors: Wickler W. , Seibt U. 
Published: May 2010

Recently Sillén‐Tullberg & Leimar (1988) modelled a general explanation for the evolution of gregariousness in prey organisms that live exposed, have no means of escape when discovered by a predator, and are small in relation to a potential predator (who thus can sample many prey individuals in one encounter). The model predicts that gregarious prey organisms of that type ought to be distasteful, and that the evolution of gregariousness will be favoured by aposematic coloration facilitating avoidance learning in a predator.Obviously, any protective power of grouping depends on group size. According to the Sillén‐Tullberg & Leimar model, (1) “members of small groups may have a higher rate of death from predation than solitary individuals, but above a certain minimum group size, group members do better than solitary individuals; … as group size increases above the minimum value, group members suffer fewer and fewer deaths from predation”. They benefit from the “decreased risk of predator attack on any particular individual”, called dilution effect. (2) “The more prey specimens that the predator needs to sample during avoidance learning, the larger an aggregation needs to be in order for gregariousness to be advantageous”. It is further explained that (3) selection resulting from predation favours increase in group size until it “acts like a predator‐satiation mechanism”.