bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male Activity and Female Mate Acceptance in the Mallard (Anas Platyrhynchos)
Authors: Bossema I. , Kruijt J.P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper examines pair formation in wild and domesticated white mallard females in relation to differences in male courtship pressure. By rearing males of both strains with wild or white females, adult females of each strain could be confronted with courting males of the own or opposite strain. As almost all females paired with males courting them most intensively, regardless the colour type of the males, it is concluded that directed male activity is a more important factor for female mate acceptance than male plumage colouration. The implications of this finding for the interpretation of previous work on factors involved in mate selection by mallard females (SCHUTZ, 1965; KLINT, 1973, 1975, 1978 and 1980) are discussed.
The Pattern of Vocal Signals and the Information They Convey
Authors: Zahavi Amotz 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1. The vocal signal is an indicator of the posture and movement (P.M.) of the signaller at the time of vocalization, hence it reveals, by an additional modality, information about the P. M. of the signaller. 2. The vocal signal is a reliable indicator of the motivation of the signaller because cheating would incur the cost of changing the P.M. away from the optimal P.M. for the real motivation. 3. Certain vocal patterns discriminate better than others small differences in the motivation of individuals. 4. The vocal signal which conveys a certain motivation is dependent on a) the strategy used to solve a particular conflict; b) the kind of reliable information which may resolve the conflict; c) the P.M. which conveys best such information; d) the vocal pattern which enables the listener to distinguish between signallers which differ slightly in their motivation.
Efficient Use of Food Patches At Different Distances From a Breeding Colony in Black-Billed Gulls
Authors: Evans Roger M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA probability model is developed and tested to examine the hypothesis, derived from optimal foraging theory, that black-billed gulls utilize foraging sites efficiently by foraging at sites close to the colony when these are available. One hundred and nine inland foraging sites were located. Only 17 (20 % ) of 86 sites measured were used for more than 3 consecutive days. Use of 46 foraging sites by birds from the main study colony was documented by direct observations of foragers commuting between the colony and foraging sites. For these sites, the distance from the colony ranged up to 11.9 km (mean = 4.7 km). The daily pattern of foraging site use in relation to distance from the colony correlated with the pattern predicted by the optimality model, but differences in detail were evident. Departures from predicted foraging distances appeared to relate more to errors in the main assumptions of the model as applied to a field context, rather than to any obvious failure on the part of the gulls to utilize food sites efficiently.
Behavioural Significance of Duet Interactions: Cues From Antiphonal Duetting Between Males (Cossypha Heuglini H.)
Authors: Hultsch Henrike 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAntiphonal duetting is regarded as a formalized interaction display between, usually mated, individuals of different sex. Proceeding from observations that antiphonal duetting can also occur between male conspecifics, we investigated the structure and context dependance of the display in aviary kept male robin chats (Cossypha heuglini H.). In the male/male duets, which were confined to a particular dyad of our tests subjects, all characteristic features corresponded to those of the male/female display (Fig. 1). Duet roles were not exchanged between males, and the "female" contribution was exclusively delivered by the younger male. Duetting obviously influenced both, interactions within the dyad (in terms of inhibiting overt aggression) and the territorial behaviours (attacks, chases) towards third introduced conspecifics. During confrontation with such males, the duetters took different roles in attempting to deter an outsider (test 3), which were similar to those observed for mated individuals of a pair. In tests where only one individual could attack, duet rates and attack rates were positively related (Fig. 4). Preceding a duet performance, one male approached the other one (Fig. 3), and restriction of such proximity (tests 1s, 2s) lowered both, duet rates and attack rates against an introduced male (Fig. 4 & 5). Our results allow to discuss relationships between duet behaviour and alliance formation in our males. To our knowledge such a cooperation, though presumably temporary, has not been described for adult males of highly territorial bird species.
The Influence of Social Relations On the Development of Species Recognition in Zebra Finch Males
Authors: Ten Cate Carel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe influence of social relations on the development of species recognition ('sexual imprinting') in zebra finch (Z) males was examined. This was done with Z males raised by mixed pairs of Z and Bengalese finches (B)(♂Z♀B or ♀Z♂B). During rearing, the behaviour of parents and sibling towards the young Z males was measured. Z males raised by mixed pairs were usually exposed to more parental behaviour, contact behaviour and aggression by Z (parent and sibling) than by B. These males also preferred a Z over a B female later on, which might be a consequence of differences in behavioural interactions with Z and B. In a series of experiments the amount of different behaviour patterns shown by the Z parents towards young Z males was decreased. This led to a shift from Z to B in the later preference of these males, in spite of the fact that 'visual exposure' to Z was maintained as much as possible. Influence of the sibling was examined by comparing the preference of Z males raised with a B sibling with that of Z males raised with a conspecific sibling. The effect of the sibling on the later preference, if any, appeared to be marginal to that of the parents. Preference differed between males raised by ♀ Z♂B pairs and males raised by ♂Z♀B pairs, the latter being more B directed. Experiments indicate that this difference is most likely due to lack of familiarity with female Z characteristics in males raised by ♂Z♀B pairs. The results strongly suggest that behavioural interactions between a young Z male and other birds, rather than visual exposure only, influence the later preference of this male. Several mechanisms which might underlie this effect on the developmental process are discussed. No initial preference for Z characteristics has to be assumed to explain that Z males raised by mixed pairs normally develop a Z directed preference.
Spatial Proximity Between Allies: a Territorial Signal Tested in the Monogamous Duet Singer Cossypha Heuglini
Authors: Hultsch Henrike , Todt Dietmar 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn bird species in which territories are defended by both sexes, 'showing up together' is a widespread behaviour of mated individuals. To test whether the spatial proximity of simultaneously appearing mates would have a territorial signal function we presented robin chats (Cossypha heuglini H.) to mounts of conspecifics placed within their territories, Experimental variables were (1) distance between mounts, and (2) number of mounts. Results: Compared to single mount presentations, residents did not show significant differences in agonistic approaches towards the 'intruders', when mounts were positioned with a distance of 3-6 m to each other (spaced presentations). In contrast, when the distance between mounts was 0.3-0.6 m, (close presentations, simulating the close perching of mates) residents approached them significantly less often and less close (Tables 1 and 2). Such approach and attack inhibitions were not stronger when three or four mounts were offered instead of two. Residental pairs spent more time in non-vocal display behaviours than did single residents (Table 3). During playback of conspecific song after having been presented to a mount test, the residents' responses appeared to be influenced by whether they had received a spaced or a close mount test before. Our results have demonstrated the significance of visual pair recognition through clues from spatial proximity of birds. As with the vocal duet displays, the close perching of pair members may function in signalling cooperation during territorial confrontation with conspecifics.
Aggression, Copulation, and Differential Reproduction of Deer Mice (Peromyscus Maniculatus) in a Semi-Natural Enclosure
Authors: Dewsbury Donald A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis study was designed to analyze the interactions of priority of residence, strain, dominance, male capacity, and sperm competition in relation to aggression, copulation, and differential reproduction in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Males were wild-type or blonde mutants; females were of the recessive blonde phenotype. There were 20 replicates of a procedure entailing 7-day runs. One male was introduced into a seminatural enclosure on Day 1 and the second male on Day 3. Their interactions were sampled on Days 3-7. In addition, two estrous females were introduced for tests on Day 5 and 6. In the absence of females, levels of male-male aggression were lower than in their presence. Priority of residence led to increased levels of chasing by males. Limitations on male capacity were revealed as decreased numbers of ejaculations and chases in the second of the two tests with females. Dominance was established in 13 of the 20 runs; copulation occurred in 28 of the 41 tests. Dominant males achieved more ejaculations than subordinates. Males copulated with both females on 20 of 41 occasions, with most partner changes (but smaller percentage per opportunity) occurring within ejaculatory series. Females copulated on 44 of the 82 occasions and delivered a total of 30 litters. Determinants of differential reproduction were diffuse.
Courtship Sequences and Ethological Isolation in Two Species of Sunfish (Lepomis Spp) and Their Hybrids
Authors: Clarke Susan E. , Colgan Patrick W. , Lester Nigel P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe role of courtship behaviour in ethological isolation was studied by analysing courtship sequences between different crosses of pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), bluegill (L. macrochirus), and their hybrid sunfish. Crosses were established in large laboratory tanks, under an artificially advanced photoperiod and temperature regime, and in outside pools. Male-female interactions were filmed and videotaped. In the field, underwater films of naturally occurring courtship and spawning were taken. A behavioural repertoire was described and the data converted to pairs of male and female acts (dyads). Two contexts were distinguished (spawn and nonspawn) depending on whether courtship led to spawning or not. Several methods of analysis were used. Multidimensional contingency table analysis with factors of preceding act, following act, and cross, enabled examination of the dependence of the response of any individual (sex or species) upon the species of partner. Multidimensional Scaling of the crosses, based on a chi-square measure of overall dissimilarity for each context, revealed the relative proximities among the different interspecific and hybrid crosses and the parentals. The results generally agreed well with those produced by a clustering technique. The conclusions are: (1) The differences between the courtship and spawning behaviour of the parentals are evidence for a behavioural isolating mechanism. (2) Interspecific and hybrid crosses tend to be intermediate to parentals. (3) Courting and spawning behaviour is different in the laboratory and field environments. (4) Hybrids likely originate from crosses of male bluegills and female pumpkinseeds.
The Development of Mate Choice in Zebra Finch Females
Authors: Ten Cate Carel , Mug Gerry 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
SONNEMANN & SJÖLANDER (1977) found that zebra finch females raised by their own species (Zz females) differ in mate preference from females raised by Bengalese finches (Zb females) when given the choice between a Z male and a B male. Their data also showed an own species bias (Zz females strongly preferred Z males, whereas Zb females showed about equal interest in Z and B males). Several authors mentioned the existence of a preference for species-specific characteristics independent of early experience (a so called 'innate' preference) as a cause for an own species bias. This conclusion can be doubted for theoretical and methodological reasons and the question for the processes leading to an own species bias in zebra finch females seems completely open. We investigated several possible causes of the own species bias. Our experiments suggest that the final preference in Z females may be influenced by three independent processes. First, visual stimuli are involved. Information on these seems to stem exclusively, or at least largely from parental influence. No initial preference for visual characteristics, independent of experience with Z or B has to be assumed. Second, experiments indicate that a preference for actively courting males is present. The process underlying this is unknown but seems independent of the one giving rise to a preference for visual stimuli. Third, during the period between raising and testing (during which the females were visually isolated) the preference changes with age. Here too, the underlying process is unclear. Several possible causes for this change are discussed. The process underlying it is probably different from the other two. Altogether the results indicate that the own species bias may be the result of several independent developmental processes, which in combination led to a bias in testing.
Courtship in Drosophila Melanogaster: Behaviour of Mixed-Sex Groups in Large Observation Chambers
Authors: Ewing L.S. , Ewing A.W. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
1. Mixed-sex groups of Drosophila melanogaster were observed in chambers sufficiently large to allow females to decamp during courtship. 2. There were two main experimental classes; one OVR, consisting of groups of four males and four virgin females (octet with virgin receptive females) the other, SVR comprising four males and two virgin females (sextet with virgin receptive females). Supplementary information was obtained from a third group, SMU (sextet with mated females) consisting of four males and two mated females. 3. Quantitative information was obtained on a number of courtship parameters which could then be compared with information from single pairs of the same Drosophila stock in the small cells normally used for courtship studies. 4. Courtship in groups was observed to consist of a number of short bouts (OVR: 14 s., SVR: 7 s.) interspersed with longer periods of non-courtship (OVR: 20.9 s., SVR 23.1 s.). Females could be courted by one or more of the available males and could mate with a male initially rejected. The shorter courtship bouts in SVR groups appeared to be related to increased interference between courting males which resulted in females terminating the bout. 5. This general pattern of courtship differed considerably from the pattern in small cells where females received a single continuous bout of courtship, consisting of 41 % vibration and lasting on average, 130 s. until copulation. In the group situation vibration comprised only 24% of each courtship bout and there were a number of gaps in courtship before copulation occurred. The overall mean courtship times including breaks were 399 s. (OVR) and 511 s. (SVR). 6. A detailed analysis of the observations on the groups in the large chambers showed that virgin females terminated the majority of bouts and did so by flying off or moving off. These elements alone of the so-called rejection responses listed by other authors appeared to have a rejection function. No function could be attributed to the other responses which may be in part an artefact of small observation cells. 7. Female decamping was not preceeded by a specific act by the male but could occur anytime during following/orientation and vibration. It rarely occurred after licking or attempted copulation. 8. The courtship of successful males differed from that of unsuccessful males only in that more time was spent courting the female eventually mated; bouts being longer and more numerous.
Some Notes On Factor Analysis of Behavioral Data
Authors: Short Robert , Horn John 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The use of factor analysis with behavioral data is examined critically. Although there are good reasons to make wider use of factor analytic techniques in behavioral research, several important pitfalls should be avoided. Samples should be of adequate size, both absolutely and relative to the number of variables analysed. Variables should be reliable and devoid of scoring dependencies. One should not allow the same components to appear in different ratio variables, difference scores and composites. Variables and subjects should be carefully selected to represent a substantive design for the study. Ideally this design should stem from empirically-based, well reasoned theory. Careful thought should be given to the question of the number of factors to extract. Rotation of factors should be based on the model reflected in the design for the study. One should be wary of using mathematical-statistical indices with factor coefficients. The correlation, as such, and the standard error for a correlation, do not have the same properties when applied to arrays of factor coefficients as when used with free-to-vary numbers.
Olfactory Interactions Between Sexually Active Males in Adoxophyes Orana (F.V.R.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Bijpost S.C.A. , Thomas G. , Kruijt J.P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Males of the summerfruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana, placed in a windtunnel react to the odour of females with upwind walking, non-orientated wing fluttering and orientated fluttering. When groups of three males were arranged linearly in an air stream there was a decline in the last two sexual activities from upwind to downwind. As this was not found to be due to increasing distance from the pheromone source, it was concluded that upwind males inhibit the sexual behaviour of downwind males. The signal responsible for this inhibition proved to be an olfactory one. This inhibition was only seen when the upwind males were (1) sexually activated and (2) in a potentially competitive situation. Males perceiving male pheromone modify their behaviour by increasing the lateral component of their search path. This behaviour could increase the probability of finding another female in natural circumstances.
Variation in the Mating System of a Biparental Cichlid Fish, Cichlasoma Panamense
Authors: Townshend T.J. , Wootton R.J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Cichlasoma panamense is a biparental, substrate-spawning cichlid which breeds during the dry season in Panamanian streams. In one population some males helped to defend their offspring throughout the period of parental care but many deserted their mates to achieve additional spawnings leaving females to guard alone. The proportion of C. panamense guarding in pairs increased throughout the breeding season. This was associated with an increase in the rate with which parental cichlids attacked potential brood predators and an increase in brood size. The increase in attack rate was due to the crowding of fishes as water levels receded during the dry season and especially to the increasing numbers of newly independent cichlids which congregated in the shallow water areas where C. panamense brood. The sex ratio in the population was strongly biased towards females. Males spent more time away from the brood than females which enabled them to find and spawn with unmated females. The attack rate of females brooding alone was not significantly higher than that of those with mates and their foraging rate not significantly lower although they spent less time away from their brood. In a more productive stream where population density was high, breeding was almost entirely in monogamous pairs. The rate at which parents attacked potential predators was higher, the sex ratio was 1:1 and brood size was large. The male's decision to guard or desert appears to depend on his opportunities for further matings, the ability of the female to guard alone and the value of a current brood. These results agree with the predictions of game theory models of parental care.
Individual Contributions To Cooperative Behaviour in the Acorn Woodpecker: Effects of Reproductive Status, Sex, and Group Size
Authors: Mumme Ronald L. , De Queiroz Alan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAcorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus) are communal breeders that live in permanently territorial family groups of 2-15 individuals. All group members participate in several forms of cooperative behaviour, which we define as the investment of resources in a common interest shared by other group members (CHASE, 1980). Acorn woodpecker group interests include the caching of acorns in a specialized storage tree (the granary), maintenance of the granary, and defence of the granary against intra- and interspecific intruders. Because of a strong positive relationship between the availability of stored acorns and group reproductive success, investments in acorn storage, granary maintenance, and granary defence have a direct positive effect on the individual fitness of breeders. Non-breeding helpers, however, do not realize a direct reproductive reward, and therefore profit less directly from investment in these forms of cooperative behaviour. Thus, we predicted that breeders should invest more heavily in cooperative behaviour than should helpers. The prediction was upheld: for nearly every form of cooperative behaviour examined, breeders contribute significantly more than do helpers. On the other hand, while established breeders only rarely intrude on neighbouring territories, nonreproductive helpers frequently do so. These dispersal "forays" constitute attempts by helpers to locate ecologically restricted breeding vacancies. The effect that group size has on individual contributions to cooperative behaviour is unclear. Individual rates of acorn storage decrease significantly with increasing group size, but granary attendance and granary maintenance do not. Male and female acorn woodpeckers do not differ in their contributions to acorn storage, granary maintenance, or interspecific defence. Females, however, play a significantly greater role in intraspecific defence because of a female-biased intruder sex ratio and sex-specific defensive behaviour.