bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agonistic Communication in Social Species: What Is Communicated?
Authors: Senar J.C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRelationships between displays used in agonistic encounters, the next behaviour of the reactor, and the actor's subsequent response, are analysed in captive siskins (Carduelis spinus). A three-way independence test showed that the different displays are associated with different replys. Factorial Analysis of Correspondences showed that 76% of the variability in the displays could be explained by variation in the tolerance of the actor to the presence of conspecifics: certain displays led to submissive or non-aggressive responses by the reactor which led to non-aggressive behaviours by the actor, whereas others frequently provoqued an attack, which usually led to a retaliatory attack by the actor. The degree of caution in the response appears to be the other factor that modulates the reactor's subsequent response. This degree of caution appears to be directly related to the relative dominance status of the contestants. These results support the view that in highly social species the aim of agonistic displays is not necessarily to drive opponents away, since this may be costly for both contestants. Agonistic communication in these situations should not be seen as an "auction" to determine who will obtain the resource, but as a warning, in which the actor gives information on how tolerant it is to the close presence of the conspecific and what behaviours it will allow. Depending on its status and behaviour, the second bird may be tolerated, but if it behaves in a "dangerous" way, the actor would attack.
Ontogeny of Fish Capture and Ingestion in Four Species of Garter Snakes (Thamnophis)
Authors: Halloy Monique , Burghardt Gordon M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe feeding behaviour of four species of garter snakes (Thamnophis butleri, T melanogaster, T. radix, and T sirtalis) was observed in an attempt to determine differences across species and among age groups with respect to capturing, handling and swallowing large and small fish. Although belonging to the same genus, the four species differ widely in habitat and prey preferences (T. butieri being recognized as an earthworm specialist, T melanogaster as an aquatic specialist, and the other two species as generalists). Overall, feeding patterns were quite similar across species following a general sequence of capturing fish, maneuvering the jaws to either the head or tail of the fish (the head being "chosen" more often), and swallowing it. Head-first ingestion was related to prey size: the larger the fish the greater the probability the snake would ingest it head first. When this behaviour was analysed more closely, species and age differences emerged. Adults were more efficient at capturing and ingesting fish head-first and took less time to handle and swallow their prey than did juveniles. This difference was not as marked in the two specialist species as in the two generalist species. Considering differences within species and age classes with respect to their handling behaviour of either a large or a small fish, T melanogaster handled both sizes of prey in a time period that was not significantly different, T. butleri took significantly more time to handle a large fish whereas T radix and T. sirtalis took considerably more time to handle a large fish as newborns but not as adults. These results support field observations that T. melanogaster is an aquatic specialist, T. butleri, an earthworm specialist, and the other two species, generalists. In spite of the similarities between the two generalist species, similarities were also found between T. butleri and T. radix which are believed to the taxonomically related.
Lamb's Bleats: Important for the Establishment of the Mother-Young Bond?
Authors: Nowak R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBorder Leicester x Merino (BL x M) lambs can discriminate between their own and alien mothers better than Merino (M) lambs when born to the same breed of dam (M). The behaviour of newborn lambs was therefore observed in different situations to investigate the reason for these better discriminative abilities of the BL x M lambs. In a first experiment lambs were removed from the ewe at birth and tested for 2 h under one of the following conditions: 1) reunited with its dam, 2) in the presence of a stationary model, 3) isolated. Overall the ewe had a stimulating effect on the motor activity of the neonate and a quietening effect on its vocal activity when compared to the other 2 groups, but these effects differed according to the genotypes. When isolated or in the presence of the model, BL x M lambs stood for the first time later than M lambs and spent less time standing and exploring the environment. In both situations BL x M lambs vocalised less than M lambs. When mothered, BL x M lambs stood up and found the teat later than M lambs but their motor and exploratory activity did not differ after 2 h of observation. However, mothered BL x M lambs were far more vocal than mothered M lambs. This suggests that BL x M lambs establish better communication with their dams. A second experiment was carried out on M lambs to investigate the existence of a relationship between the vocal activity of the neonate and the development of a bond with the mother. Results showed that the lambs that were the most vocal at birth also had the best performances in a test of mother discrimination at the age of 12 h. It was concluded that early communication between the ewe and her young probably plays a role in the establishment of a preferential bond.
Comparative Fine Structure of Action: Rules of Form and Sequence in the Grooming Patterns of Six Rodent Species
Authors: Berridge Kent C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe phylogenetic constancy of a set of syntactic patterning rules for grooming was examined in six rodent species: guinea pig, Belding's ground squirrel, gerbil, hamster, rat, mouse. Species were chosen to allow comparisons of separate suborders of Rodentia (Hystricomorpha, Sciuromorpha, Myomorpha) and of separate families within suborders (Cricetidae and Muridae). Each species was examined for possession of the syntactic patterns of chaining, transition reciprocity, sequential stereotypy, and hierarchical clustering. These syntactic patterns were detected and quantified using videoanalysis, graphic notation, and a variety of computer-assisted action coding and analysis techniques. Each syntactic pattern or sequencing rule mentioned above was found to obtain in all six of the species tested. The wide applicability of these rules suggests that they reflect a fundamental feature of neurobehavioral organization, which was established relatively early in rodent evolution. Syntactic organization appears to be a basic property of action production by mammalian brains. The techniques used in this study also allowed a quantitative comparison to be made across species of syntactic pattern strength, form, stereotypy, and timing parameters. This comparison showed that many differences in behavioral patterns among species could be explained by one of two principles. The first explanatory principle was phylogenetic relationship: the behavioral traits of species from within a single family tended to be more similar than were traits of species from separate families, and species from a single suborder tended to be more similar than species from separate suborders. The second principle, which applied especially to temporal parameters, was programmed allometric control by physical size. The timing of patterns (for example, the cycle duration of certain highly stereotyped forepaw strokes performed on the face) was related to the average size of the species by an allometric power function. The nature of these syntactic patterns and of the rules that generate them, the nature of their neural substrates, and the origin of parameters differences between species, is discussed.
An Investigation of Sibling Recognition in a Solitary Sciurid, Townsend's Chipmunk, Tamias Townsendii
Authors: Fuller Claire A. , Blaustein Andrew R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We tested juvenile Townsend's chipmunks (Tamias townsendii) to determine whether 1) they could distinguish kin from non-kin and 2) to assess if this ability was based on familiarity or on genetic relatedness. Seventy-three pups between the ages of 55-62 days were observed in 68 pairwise tests. The frequencies (number/trial) and durations (length in seconds) of 8 behaviors as well as the mean distance between pups were recorded in 10 min. trials. Analyses indicated that frequencies of behaviors varied depending on relatedness (related/unrelated) and familiarity (familiar/unfamiliar) but durations of behaviors did not. Pups discriminated between familiar and unfamiliar animals in the frequency of contacts, and the occurrence of attacks and chases. Pups discriminated between animals on the basis of relatedness in the occurrence of chasing. Both relatedness and familiarity played a role in the frequency of sniffing and grooming and in the mean distance between pups, as shown by the significant interaction between familiarity and relatedness in 2-way ANOVAs. The sex composition of pairs (male-male, male-female or female-female) influenced the mean distance between pups. We can only speculate on the functions of kin recognition in Townsend's chipmunk. It may enable animals to selectively direct nepotistic behavior toward kin or facilitate optimal outbreeding.
Litter Gender Composition, Food Availability, and Maternal Defence of the Young in House Mice (Mus Domesticus)
Authors: Maestripieri Dario 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLitter gender composition (LGC) of 33 litters of outbred Swiss albino mice was manipulated at birth to obtain 100%-male litters (MM), 50%-male litters (MF) and 100%-female litters (FF). Litter size was 10 in all cases. Litter defence by their respective dams (5-min exposure to an unfamiliar adult male) was scored on postpartum day 7. The influence of litter gender composition on the female's litter defence was tested, with identical procedure, under conditions of restricted feeding. In this case, dams were fed from postpartum days 1-7 with 80% of their normal daily requirement. Under both ad lib. and restricted feeding body weight of mothers and their litters was assessed daily. Under ad lib. feeding, dams rearing MM litters showed higher scores of Total Attacking Time than both MF and FF dams and higher frequency of Attacks and Tail Rattling episodes than MF dams. Food-restricted females showed a sharp decline in body weight and their litters a slower gain in weight than control animals. LGC did not affect mother and litter weight changes in both conditions but MM females tended to cannibalize more pups on days 6-7 than MF and FF females. Food-restricted MM and MF dams showed, respectively, lower Total Attacking Time and higher number of Attacks and Tail Rattling episodes than their own Control groups. These results show that, under ad lib. feeding, LGC affects significantly female mouse litter defence. Some possible underlying mechanisms are discussed. These results support only partly the TRIVERS-WILLARD'S hypothesis (1973) about sex-biased investment in the offspring since, even though mouse dams under ad lib. feeding defended more vigorously all-male litters, as predicted by the model, among food-restricted animals no clear shift toward a prevalent defence of female-skewed litters appeared.
Social Inertia and Hormonal Control of Aggression and Dominance in White-Throated Sparrows
Authors: Archawaranon Manee , Dove Lorna , HAVEN WILEY R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
To investigate the effects of familiarity with opponents on the activation of aggression and dominance by testosterone (T) in white-throated sparrows Zonotrichia albicollis, we studied birds in groups of five or six in outdoor aviaries and in a free-living population. Experiments were conducted between January and April, when plasma levels of endogenous gonadal hormones were low. Previously published experiments (ARCHAWARANON & WILEY, 1988) showed that when subjects were given subcutaneous implants of T, held individually in cages for one week, and then grouped with unfamiliar opponents, they established dominance over controls with empty implants. In contracts, the present study showed that low-ranking birds given subcutaneous implants of T and returned to their original groups and aviaries did not change in dominance rank nor in aggression scores over a period of two weeks. When these birds were regrouped with unfamiliar opponents in new aviaries, their dominance ranks and aggression scores increased. This rise in dominance rankings and aggression scores did not result from any effects of regrouping in the absence of hormonal treatments. The sexes did not differ in their responses to these treatments. In the field, T implants markedly increased some individuals' frequencies of aggression but had little or no effect on dominance relationships. The absence of behavioral changes in stable groupings after hormonal treatment, called social inertia, indicates that birds recognize the relative dominance of previous opponents, at least when encountered in familiar locations. Results from the field experiment thus suggest that white-throated sparrows can recognize at least 20 opponents. Hormonal state has more influence on dominance relationships of strangers than on those of opponents familiar with each other in familiar locations.
Competition To Carry Infants in Captive Families of Cotton-Top Tamarins (Saguinus Oedipus)
Authors: Price Eluned C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Callitrichidae (marmosets and tamarins) typically produce twins, and have communal rearing systems in which all group members help care for the infants. It has been hypothesised that helpers benefit in some way from assisting in infant care. If so, then competition to carry infants would be predicted. This was tested in a study of 14 litters of captive cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). All occurrences of infant transfers (movements of infants from one caretaker to another) were recorded from birth to 12 weeks. Individuals in larger groups were less likely to reject infants, more likely to actively take infants, more likely to resist attempts by others to take, and more likely to intervene in transfers, suggesting increased competition to carry in large groups. Singletons were rejected less than twin infants, again suggesting the existence of competition amongst caretakers. Mothers rejected infants more frequently than fathers; young tamarins rejected infants more than older tamarins. There was evidence that carrying by juvenile siblings and by adult daughters was limited by other group members. There was evidence that adult sons and sub-adult sons and daughters competed most strongly, and were more likely to attempt to limit carrying by other group members. These results were interpreted in the light of hypotheses suggesting that the benefits to be gained from helping may differ amongst age-sex classes.
Side-Directed Behaviour and Recruitment of Support in Captive Chimpanzees
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Klomberg Theo J.M. , Nooitgedagt Janneke H. , Van Hooff Jan A.R.A.M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe studied the relation between support in conflicts and side-directed behaviour (i.e. non-agonistic behaviour displayed by one of the combatants to an outsider) in two captive colonies of chimpanzees. Side-directed behaviour was not a precondition to acquire help in fights, since most support was obtained without preceding side-directed behaviour. Besides, side-directed behaviour was rarely followed by the receipt of support and there was no indication that it increased the chance to receive help. Only between females side-directed behaviour was aimed more often at those from whom support was also received more frequently. This suggests that although females were seldom successful to enlist support from one another, this might still have been the aim of their behaviour. Side-directed behaviour was not performed at random: per conflict it was shown more often by females than males; both sexes performed it especially when receiving a conflict rather than starting it themselves and during conflicts with their own sex; both sexes directed it more often to males than females. Further, more side-directed behaviour was directed to partners the higher the rank of the partner. This means that side-directed behaviour brings a threatened individual in the proximity of a high ranking individual, which may function as a protective zone and thus thwart the aggression of the opponent. Although in periods with an unclear alpha-male position males reciprocated support, there was no evidence that this reciprocation was mediated by side-directed behaviour. In these periods males may benefit directly from attacking common rivals. If this is true, both helping and reciprocation may be unintentional.
Feeding Habits and Predatory Behaviour in the Marbled Polecat (Vormela Peregusna Syriaca): I. Killing Methods in Relation To Prey Size and Prey Behaviour
Authors: Ben-David Merav , Pellis Sergio M. , Pellis Vivien C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna syriaca), a small musteline, is represented in the fauna of Israel. Predatory behaviour of eleven marbled polecats, caught in the field, and held in captivity for a reproductive biology study, was observed during their routine feedings over the course of two years. Sequences of prey capture and killing were recorded on film or videotape. Killed prey were also retrieved for autopsy. Prey offered included Gallus gallus domesticus, Mus musculus, Acomys cahirinus, Microtus guentheri, Meriones tristrami, Cavia porcellus and Rattus norvegicus. All prey items were obtained as surplus from medical laboratories. In addition to using the typical musteline killing method of biting the nape of the neck, marbled polecats used a variety of killing methods suited to a range of prey types. Two variables determined the killing method used. 1) Size of prey: Small prey were killed by bites to the thorax, whereas large prey were bitten on the head or neck. 2) Prey defense behaviour: Fleeing prey were bitten dorsally, whereas defending prey were bitten ventrally, typically on the throat. This non-stereotypical predatory behaviour appears to correlate with the opportunistic feeding habits of marbled polecats in the wild. Evolutionary and ecological aspects of this relationship are discussed.
Allomaternal Care By Female Wedge-Capped Capuchin Monkeys: Effects of Age, Rank and Relatedness
Authors: O'Brien Timothy G. , Robinson John G. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We examined patterns of infant care and the relative importance of female age, rank and relatedness to allomaternal care for a wild population of wedge-capped capuchin monkeys, Cebus olivaceus in Venezuela. Mothers interacted primarily with their own infants throughout the study. Infant age affected the timing and type of allomaternal interaction; investigation occurred primarily in the first 3 months of life, carrying was dominant during the second 3 months, and association occurred primarily in the third 3 months. The onset and level of allomaternal care assured a high level of infant care as maternal care was declining, suggesting that allomaternal care is an important component of infant survival. The relative importance of female age, rank and relatedness varied for different behaviour. Relatedness was the most consistently important effect. Sibling females participated in allomaternal care almost 4 times more often than other females and were especially active in carrying and associating with infants. Female rank was an important effect when the coefficient of relatedness was less than 0.5: high-ranking females participated in allomaternal care more than low-ranking females. Old juveniles and nulliparous adults interacted with infants more than young juveniles and parous adults, but the effect of female age was relatively unimportant. Allomaternal nursing may represent a form of reciprocal altruism. Allomaternal nursing supplemented maternal nursing and was unrelated to kinship or rank of female.
Temporal Relationships, Transitions and Structure of the Behavioural Repertoire in Male Apennine Chamois During the Rut
Authors: Lovari S. , Locati M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe reproductive behaviour of adult male Apennine chamois was studied during 4 rutting seasons in the Abruzzo National Park, Central Italy. The analysis of temporal relationships between behaviour patterns in male-male and male-female repertoires has allowed to group together the patterns functionally associated. Courtship activities were much more predictable and fixed than behaviours in male-male interactions. Qualitative and quantitative variations of the main behaviour patterns have been evaluated throughout the rut. November 8-12 marked the start of the intense phase of the rut. Two of the 3 species-specific courtship behaviours appeared in the peak of the rut (November 23-27). Older males grouped and successfully defended larger harems, containing a greater number of prime females. Males herded females mainly by the Head Down threat, in both the still and moving postures. The aggressive connotation of the Snort, an usually assumed "alarm" call, has been here discussed in the harem formation context. The courtship sequence has been described. The function of female reactive urination was evaluated in this context. A harem holder did not only have to prevent females from leaving, but he had also to deal with male competitors. Usually long agonistic interactions occurred before a Rush or a Chase ended up the contest between 2 males. The Neck Up has been presented here as an effective posture to display the "Attention Guiding Adaptations" present in the body morphology of adult male chamois. Direct correlations were found between the age (i.e. the dominance) of an intruder and the distance at which it was pursued away by the harem holder, as well as the Marking/Horning activity of the latter. The frequency of utterance of the Rut Call built up 60% of all behaviour patterns recorded (N = 8059). It was also used often (36.3 % ; N = 102) to initiate a contest as a vocal dominance display. Harem holders showed a positive correlation of call frequency to the harem females with the rut progression. The last 2 aspects suggest a strong similarity of function to what found for the red deer in assessing the contenders' ranks and in enhancing the oestrus of females. The comparison of male rutting behaviour in Apennine chamois with that reported for other Rupicapra taxa indicated a close affinity with the Pyrenees subspecies and detectable differences with the northeastern chamois.
Olfactory Search Images in Striped Skunks
Authors: Nams Vilis O. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractStriped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) which had been raised in captivity can increase their reaction distance to the smell of a given food. This reaction distance decreases after they find other types of foods, using either sound or smell. This decrease could be a result of skunks increasing preference for specific food, or shifting attention onto the smell of specific food. However, other experiments showed that skunks do not change prey preference. Therefore the decrease in reaction distance is likely due to skunks shifting attention to the smell of specific food. I suggest that this is the olfactory analogue to visual search images-i.e. olfactory search images.