bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequential and Temporal Properties of Behavior Induced By a Schedule of Periodic Food Delivery
Authors: Staddon J.E.R. , Ayres Sandra L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractI. Five hungry rats were exposed to a schedule of periodic food presentation, receiving a single pellet every 30 sec., in an apparatus that permitted drinking, running, and other activities. The development, extinction, and structure of behavior sequences under this regimen was studied in three experiments. 2. All the rats developed a stable pattern of behavior after twenty or so half-hour sessions. The modal pattern was drinking early in the interfood interval, running in the middle, and food anticipation at the end. This temporal pattern was associated with different sequential patterns in different individuals. 3. Elimination of opportunity to engage in one or more activities resulted in an increase in other activities, but the increase was not in simple proportion to their frequency under baseline conditions. 4. In the steady state the sequence of behaviors in each interval appeared to be determined by two main factors: (a) post-eating time, and (b) the "momentum" associated with an ongoing activity. Differences among individual rats appeared to be due largely to differences in the second factor.
Vocal Repertoire of the Mongoose Herpestes Auropunctatus
Authors: Mulligan B.E. , Nellis D.W. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Vocalizations of the mongoose II. auropunctatus were found to be composed of twelve categories of calls. Characteristics of each call category were established by means of acoustical analyses of a large sample of vocalizations from a number of animals. The results of these analyses were presented in detail for each category together with brief descriptions of associated behavior. It was concluded that mongoose vocalizations form a unitary system of acoustically distinctive calls that are emitted discretely. It was suggested that this system is one in which the possibilities for discrimination among temporally adjacent calls are optimized. In order to examine this conclusion further, comparisons were made of call spectra, amplitude patterns, and overall amplitude differences. It was found that the spectra of calls that are emitted successively show marked contrast, and that the sharpness of onset and offset patterns is related to the temporal proximity of calls. It was also found that the relative amplitudes of calls that occur within the same behavioral context; either dissonant, consummatory, or agonistic; may contribute to call discriminability. However, there is considerable overlap of the distributions of call amplitudes, and it appears that differences between spectra and amplitude patterns of mongoose calls may contribute more to their discriminability than differences in overall amplitudes. It was suggested that relative amplitudes of calls may reflect levels of behavioral arousal of vocalizing animals.
Self-Sustaining Activities and Reinforcement in the Nest Building Behaviour of Mice
Authors: Roper T.J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractEIBL-EIBESFELDT (1961) and THORPE (1963) have suggested that nest-building in various species is reinforced by stimuli associated with the acquisition of a finished nest. HINDE & STEVENSON (1969, 1970) have proposed, by contrast, that individual nest building activities may persist and act as reinforcers regardless of whether or not they lead to nest formation. Evidence for these views is discussed. Five experiments designed to test HINDE and STEVENSON'S view arc described. In Experiments I and 2, naive female mice were given access to hoppers of paper strips for 14 days. Carrying of strips into the nest box declined rapidly to zero as the nests reached completion, but gathering of strips from the hoppers continued at the original level. It is concluded that carrying and subsequent events associated with nest acquisition are not necessary for the initiation and maintenance of gathering. In Experiments 3 and 4, access to paper strips was made contingent upon performance of an arbitrary operant (key pressing). The majority of subjects continued to key press and gather paper after the cessation of carrying, but at a reduced level. Furthermore, key pressing to gather only occurred if the operant-reinforcer distance was very small. It is concluded that gathering per se is less reinforcing than gathering plus carrying and building. In Experiment 5, amount of gathering per reinforcement was varied by using different widths of paper. Number of reinforcements per session was positively related to paper width, providing further evidence that gathering is reinforcing. It is concluded that gathering is at least to some extent autonomously controlled, and that it is a weak positive reinforcer. However the results also suggest that other reinforcing events are present at a later stage in the nest building sequence. Some theories concerning the causation of selfsustaining activities, and their implications for unitary drive theories, are discussed.
The Relationship Between Social Behaviour and the Use of Space in the Benthic Fish Chasmodes Bosq Uianus Lacepede (Teleostei, Bleniidae)
Authors: Phillips Robert R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractChasmodes bosquianus is a bottom-dwelling, blenniid fish. The males of this species utilize and defend enclosed nest sites during the breeding season. This species was selected as an appropriate subject for a study of habitat selection and shelter choice among hole-nesting animals. Two experimental pools were prepared containing different arrangements of two types of objects. These objects were enclosures and open shelters. The former were designed to represent an idealized shelter of the type used for nesting purposes in the field. The latter, which were arranged in rows, were vertical rectangles representing topographical irregularities of the bottom. Placement of the objects resulted in four general types of space in the experimental pools: that adjacent to open shelters, that within enclosures, open space, and that next to the walls of the pool. The blennies utilized the space next to open shelters significantly more and open space significantly less than would be expected on the basis of randomly-oriented movement. In addition, the fish followed routes that passed near the objects, as opposed to crossing open space, as they moved about in the pools. There was a tendency to use enclosures more than could be accounted for by an explanation based on random movement. When the four general regions were compared to one another with respect to use by the fish, somewhat similar results were seen. Space adjacent to open shelters was used significantly more than was open space. Edges were also more heavily utilized than was open space. During short-term (one hour) observations, the fish were found to approach the enclosure (E2) at the junction of two paths more frequently than they did the enclosure (E1) located on a single path. According to one measure, they demonstrated a greater interest in E2 also. However, an explanation for this greater interest based solely on the number of times that the fish approached E2 seems reasonable. During long-term (three-day) observations, the fish were found to utilize enclosures on various paths more than they did an enclosure in open space. No preference among the enclosures on paths of differing complexity was seen.
Determinants of Response of Wolf Pups To Auditory Signals
Authors: Shalter M.D. , Fentress J.C. , Young G.W. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Two naive wolf pups (Canis lupus) were presented a variety of sound stimuli, including standardized recordings of natural and synthetic adult howls. The greatest and most consistent vocal response was elicited by the "real" howls. The nature of the response depended in part upon the i) type of stimulus, 2) number of stimulus presentations, 3) associated manipulations of context, and 4) individual differences in vocal responsiveness. Neither specific ongoing behaviors nor general activity levels of the pups appears to have mediated their vocal behavior. Differential responses demonstrated their ability to distinguish between recorded howls of adult wolves. Manipulation of the context, through presentation of either a human observer, live dog, or live mice increased the pups' vocalizations to the recordings. The results are discussed in terms of both extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of an animal's response to communication signals.
The Ontogeny of Ultrasonic Vocalization in Microtus Montanus
Authors: De Ghett V.J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDevelopmental changes in parameters of ultrasound production were investigated in M. montanus young. The rate of ultrasonic vocalization reached a peak on Day 2 of postnatal ontogeny and declined to zero on Day 15. A similar developmental pattern has been found in several other rodent species. However, the comparatively early peak rate is indicative of a degree of ontogenic precociousness. Other developmental changes, both behavioural and morphological, tend to confirm that M. montanus young are relatively precocious. The duration of ultrasonic vocalizations did not show a significant change across early development. The mean duration for each vocalization sampled was 22.92 msec. The distribution of these vocalizations showed that a considerable number of vocalizations were of very short duration (<30 msec). The developmental changes in the percentage of young emitting ultrasounds began to decline following Day 8 and reached zero percent on Day 15. This decline in the percentage of young vocalizing corresponded to changes in maternal behaviour. Both the rate of ultrasonic vocalization and the percentage of young vocalizing were significantly correlated with the age of the young. Being correlated with age, these parameters of ultrasound production have the possibility of having great communicative value for the purposes of maternal care.
The Ontogeny of Predatory Behaviour in the Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus a. Auratus)
Authors: Polsky Richard H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe study set out to examine the ontogeny of the predatory response in golden hamsters (M. a. auratus) towards nymphs of Locusta migratoria. Qualitative and quantitative observations were reported. Qualitative observations showed that ambivalence characterized the behaviour of a naive hamster during the initial encounters with prey. Repeated bouts of prey exploration followed by rapid withdrawal occurred. Eventually with repeated prey presentations ambivalence waned and capture was attempted by nipping, seizing and grasping with the forepaws. Occasionally the prey was pouched after capture or 'carried' for a short duration. Consumption of the prey following capture invariably occurred. Quantitative data was collected from four age groups ranging from 30 to 90 days of age. The basic methodology consisted of introducing prey into the home cage of a naive subject and manually recording the following behaviours: latency to capture, and the frequency of prey exploration, withdrawal from the prey, nip at the prey and unsuccessful capture. Repeated tests for prey capture were administered and the main findings showed: 1. Older hamsters were more likely to capture; 2. Hamsters became more efficient captors after experiencing several successful captures; 3. Marginal differences between the sexes; 4. An increase in (a) the amount of prey eaten, (b) the frequency of pouching after capture, (c) carrying after capture with repeated testing. The mechanisms postulated to account for the increase in probability and efficiency of capture were: a. Fear attenuation through the process of habituation. b. Practice of the prey-capture technique. c. Development of a learnt appetite for the prey. It was concluded that prey-capture in the hamster was a species-typical behaviour founded upon innate predispositions.
Social Relationships Among Adult Male and Female Baboons. Ii. Behaviour Throughout the Female Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Seyfarth Robert M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA study of social interactions between two adult males and eight adult females throughout sexual cycling, pregnancy, and lactation revealed three types of "long-term" social bond. 1. Persistent, high-frequency bonds. Two male-female dyads exhibited frequent proximity and grooming throughout the study regardless of changes in female reproductive state. In both cases frequent interaction persisted because of preferences which partners showed for each other. Males in both dyads aided their partners when the partners received aggression more often than they aided others. 2. Persistent, low-frequency bonds. Three females showed a preference for the Alpha male over the subordinate male in all reproductive states. Each female appeared to be attempting to establish a "high-frequency" social bond with the Alpha male. However, all were prevented from doing so by two factors: the Alpha male's preference for one female over all others (see above), and competition from this preferred female. Females competed for access to the Alpha male equally often in all reproductive states. 3. Bonds based on "alternating" f emale preference. Three females associated primarily with the subordinate male during lactation and the Alpha male during sexual cycling. Since the subordinate male served as a focal point for the activities of infants and juveniles, females appeared to benefit from their association with him during lactation. In addition, data suggested that the subordinate male, having established bonds during lactation, attempted to maintain these bonds into the females' periods of sexual cycling. It is hypothesized that the existence of these male-female bonds in multi-male primate groups produces a social structure characterized by a polygynous mating system. Data suggest that male-female relationships are best understood not by examining sexual consortship alone but by considering sexual behaviour within the context of social interactions throughout all reproductive states.
The Development of Play in Cats
Authors: Barrett Priscilla , Bateson Patrick 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The behaviour of 28 domestic cats from the 4th to the 12th weeks after birth was studied in the presence and absence of their mother. We obtained measures of distress, activity, timidity, distance between mother and kitten, and seven facets of play. The developmental trends in the various measures of play were different, some categories declining in frequency from the 4-7 week period to the 8-12 week period and others notably Object Contact, increasing markedly. These opposing trends and a marked lack of correlation between the measures of play suggest that the outputs of several independent systems are commonly lumped under the general heading of play. The measures of more general aspects of behaviour did not show analogous trends to any of the measures of play and were not correlated with any of them. Cat Contacts in the 4-7 week period was a strong predictor of the same measure in the 8-12 week period. However, none of the other correlations between play in the two age periods is statistically significant, emphasising the marked developmental discontinuity, shown particularly in Object Contacts, between seven and eight weeks after birth. Males made significantly more Object Contacts than females in the 8-12 week period. However, this difference was much less marked when the females had a male in the litter.
The Influence of Habitat Structure On a Nolis Foraging Behavior
Authors: Moermond T.C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1. A series of seven species of Anolis lizards was studied at two sites in southwest Haiti (Ducis, 350 m, and Les Platons, 750 m). Data consisted primarily of continuous observations of individuals. 2. Species differed in their structural microhabitats by the heights and diameters of their perches. Species occupying larger perches and perches higher above the ground tended to confine their movements to a perch surface rather than jumping between surfaces. 3. A series of six "foraging zones" was recognized. These were specific configurations of surfaces which were believed to influence the scanning and movement patterns of hunting lizards. 4. Comparisons of the distributions of distances between scanning locations and waiting times between moves for all species showed patterns consistent with the size and complexity of the area scanned. 5. Differences in orientation in space and with respect to the perch surface were consistent with predicted movement and scanning patterns of particular foraging zones. 6. Plots of waiting time versus distance moved were used to distinguish species with different search strategies but similar rates of progression through the habitat. 7. A stylized diagram of foraging zones as they are connected in a typical habitat was used to compare the niche breadths of the seven species. Species which used a wider array of foraging zones were most widely distributed in southwest Haiti. 8. Although all the species could be classed as sit-and-wait predators, the various analyses revealed consistent site-specific foraging patterns which can be functionally related to the structural configuration of foraging zones. 9. It is suggested that optimal choice of patch types (structural microhabitats) is influenced by the locomotion costs associated with hunting in each patch type. Selection should act to enhance adaptation for site-specific foraging which will reinforce the predictions of the niche compression hypothesis.
The Causal Organization of Climax Behaviour in the Domestic Fowl (Gallus Domesticus)
Authors: Bakhuis W.L. , Van De Nes J.C.M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractI. Some aspects were studied of climax (hatching) behaviour in the domestic fowl. 2. The behavioural unit of climax behaviour has two functions: (a) cracking part of the eggshell, and (b) causing the animal to turn some degrees inside the shell. The concomittant movements are described with the aid of film analysis (Section I). 3. On the basis of their causal factors two aspects of climax behaviour can be distinguished: the stereotyped motility pattern of the behavioural unit and the rhytmical occurrence of the behaviour (the movements are repeated every 10 to 30 seconds). The stereotyped pattern only occurs when the freedom of movement of the animal is very restricted, whereas the rhythm already occurs if the animal is not permitted to leave its place while, in addition, its possibilities for postural adjustment are limited (Section 2). 4. After the onset of climax, a constant external stimulation (unbreakable egg and constant ambient temperature) will lead to response waning as a result of habituation, which is a function of (a) time, and (b) the degree of departure from the optimal incubation temperature (Section 3). 5. The degrees of stereotypy of the duration of a unit, proved to be higher than that of the duration of the interval between two consecutive units. 6. On the basis of behavioural and polygraphic criteria and with the aid of drugs it is shown that climax behaviour occurs while the animal is awake or drowsy, but - in contrast to what was thought - not during paradoxical sleep. Paradoxical sleep only occurs when - as a result of the earlier mentioned habituation - the tendency for climax behaviour has become very small (Section 4). 7. The interpretation of the findings is depicted in a relation diagram (Section 5).
Aspects of Sexual Discrimination By Female Siamese Fighting Fish (Bet Ta Splendens Regan)
Authors: Robertson Christine M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractI. The responses of female Betta splendens to various stimuli presented behind a transparent partition were recorded. The stimuli comprised live male and female B. splendens, eight motionless model B. splendens, and an empty-tank control. The models consisted of four pairs, one member of which had long male-like fins and raised opercula, and the other, short female-like fins and lowered opercula. The first pair had lifelike colouring; the other three pairs had "aggressive", "submissive", and "reproductive" colourings, respectively. 2. The stimuli and experimental procedures used were the same as those used in an earlier study of sexual discrimination by male B. splendens. 3. The responses to live males and females differed primarily in the amounts of agonistic behaviour shown to each, and in the colour patterns adopted. 4. The colour pattern "Displaying" was never shown to live males, and "Reproductive" was shown only rarely to live females. 5. A Principal Components Analysis was used to analyse the data, and its applicability and accuracy discussed. 6. Four main possible motivational systems were suggested influencing a female's response to a conspecific. These were similar to systems suggested for males. They were: (i) a close display response elicited by a female conspecific; (ii) a mate-or-flee response to a male conspecific (affecting primarily the colour pattern adopted by the female) ; (iii) an overt-aggression response most often elicited by a female conspecific; and (iv) a "curiosity" response indicating interest in a stimulus. 7. The females grouped the live female and live male separately from each other and from all other stimuli. The control was also separated from the model stimuli, which were treated as a single group except for the lifelike and reproductive female models, which were slightly separated from the rest. 8. Females appear to distinguish three classes of conspecific: "displaying female"; "courting male"; and "other". 9. There was some indication that females can discriminate the sex of conspecifics using only fin length and body pattern cues, but, unlike the males, it appears likely that these cues are not the primary ones.
Cultural Evolution in Chaffinch Song
Authors: Slater P.J.B. , Ince S.A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA detailed study has been made of the song types of male chaffinches in the Orkney Islands. Only about 50 pairs of chaffinches nest there and these are mainly concentrated in three woods, with isolated pairs in a number of other places. Recordings of 41 individuals showed that songs fell clearly into distinct types, 16 of which were discovered. Some song types were peculiar to a single individual, while others occurred in the repertoires of many birds. Most were markedly more common in one wood than in others. The most noticeable variation within a song type was in the number of repetitions of syllables in a phrase. This varied significantly between individuals, though not between different woods; variation within an individual was also great. Comparisons between song types suggested ways in which these had diverged during the course of cultural evolution. The main changes seem to have occurred by minor modification of syllables, by changes in the number of repetitions of syllables, by the addition or omission of sections and by the recombination of sections from different song types. Evidence from the variability and distribution of song types argues against song learning in this species having evolved because it enables individuals to transmit information about their identity or about the locality or kinship group to which they belong. Instead it is suggested that song learning arose as a means of achieving a complex vocal output and that the distribution of song types arises partly because mistakes are sometimes made in copying and partly because some individuals disperse more widely than others after song learning.