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Author Healy, S.D.; Jones, C.M.
Title Animal learning and memory: an integration of cognition and ecology Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) Zoology
Volume 105 Issue 4 Pages 321-327
Keywords cognitive ecology; spatial learning and memory; adaptive specialisation
Abstract Summary A wonderfully lucid framework for the ways to understand animal behaviour is that represented by the four [`]whys' proposed by Tinbergen (1963). For much of the past three decades, however, these four avenues have been pursued more or less in parallel. Functional questions, for example, have been addressed by behavioural ecologists, mechanistic questions by psychologists and ethologists, ontogenetic questions by developmental biologists and neuroscientists and phylogenetic questions by evolutionary biologists. More recently, the value of integration between these differing views has become apparent. In this brief review, we concentrate especially on current attempts to integrate mechanistic and functional approaches. Most of our understanding of learning and memory in animals comes from the psychological literature, which tends to use only rats or pigeons, and more occasionally primates, as subjects. The underlying psychological assumption is of general processes that are similar across species and contexts rather than a range of specific abilities. However, this does not seem to be entirely true as several learned behaviours have been described that are specific to particular species or contexts. The first conspicuous exception to the generalist assumption was the demonstration of long delay taste aversion learning in rats (Garcia et al., 1955), in which it was shown that a stimulus need not be temporally contiguous with a response for the animal to make an association between food and illness. Subsequently, a number of other examples, such as imprinting and song learning in birds (e.g., Bolhuis and Honey, 1998; Catchpole and Slater, 1995; Horn, 1998), have been thoroughly researched. Even in these cases, however, it has been typical for only a few species to be studied (domestic chicks provide the [`]model' imprinting species and canaries and zebra finches the song learning [`]models'). As a result, a great deal is understood about the neural underpinnings and development of the behaviour, but substantially less is understood about interspecific variation and whether variation in behaviour is correlated with variation in neural processing (see review by Tramontin and Brenowitz, 2000 but see ten Cate and Vos, 1999).
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0944-2006 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4741
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Author Bennett Dk,
Title Stripes do not a zebra make, Part I: A cladistic analysis of Equus Type Journal Article
Year 1980 Publication Systematic Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) Syst Zool
Volume 29 Issue 2 Pages 272-287
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Notes from Professor Hans Klingels Equine Reference List Approved no
Call Number Serial 932
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Author Smuts, M.M.S.; Penzhorn, B. L.
Title Descriptions of antomical differences between skulls and mandibles of Equus zebra and E. burchelli from southern Africa Type Journal Article
Year 1988 Publication South African Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) South African Journal of Zoology
Volume 23 Issue (4)3 Pages 328-336
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Notes from Professor Hans Klingels Equine Reference List Approved yes
Call Number Serial 1617
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Author VanDierendonck, M.C.; de Vries, H.; Schilder, M.B.H.
Title An Analysis of Dominance, Its Behavioural Parameters and Possible Determinants in a Herd of Icelandic orses in Captivity Type Journal Article
Year 1995 Publication Netherlands Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) Netherl. J. Zool.
Volume 45 Issue 3-4 Pages 362-385
Keywords Dominance; rank order; horses; Icelandic horses.
Abstract Th e applicability of the concept of dominance was investigated in a captive herd of  Icelandic

horses and  ponies of diff erent breeds. Eight out of  behaviours possibly related

to dominance occurred frequently enough to be investigated in detail. For these eight agonistic

behaviours the coverage, the unidirectionality in the exchange, and the degree of

transitivity (Landau`s linearity index) were calculated. Four off ensive behaviours, together

with avoidance, were suitable for further analysis with regard to dominance. Th e patterns

of asymmetries with which these behaviours were exchanged were suffi ciently similar as to

justify the application of the dominance concept and to construct a (nearly) linear dominance

hierarchy. Th e rank order of the castrated stallions was completely linear, the hierarchy

of the mares was almost completely linear. Th e results suggest that off ensive and defensive

aggressive behaviours should be treated separately and that the concept of dominance

is applicable. However, ritualized formal dominance signals between adult horses appear to

be (almost) absent. Th e rank positions of the individuals were correlated with age and residency

in the herd but not with height. Middle ranking horses tended to be more frequently

in the close vicinity of another horse than high ranking or low ranking horses. Over and

above this correlation at the individual level, it was found that pairs of horses close in rank

to each other were more often also spatially close to each other. Being in oestrus did not infl

uence the dominance relationships between mares. For castrated stallions the rank positions

were correlated with the age at which they were castrated. Th is suggests that in male

horses experience prior to neutering infl uences the behaviour afterwards.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 440
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Author VanDierendonck, M.C., de Vries, H., Schilder, M.B.H.
Title An Analysis of Dominance, Its Behavioural Parameters and Possible Determinants in a Herd of Icelandic horses in captivity Type Journal Article
Year 1995 Publication Netherlands Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) Netherl. J. Zool.
Volume 45 Issue 3-4 Pages 362-385
Keywords Dominance; rank order; horses; Icelandic horses.
Abstract Feral horses are social animals, which have to rely on survival strategies centered on the formation of cohesive social bonds within their bands. Many problems in the husbandry of social animals such as horses, are due to the fact that the limits of their adaptive abilities are exceeded. Evidence suggests that the fundamental social characteristics of domestic horses have remained relatively unchanged. The social structure, social strategies and social interactions were investigated (3 non-consecutive years, 24 hr per day for several weeks) in long term established groups of domestic horses (mares and geldings of all ages) and a few small introduced groups, kept in (semi)natural environments. The general aim was to investigate the social needs of domestic horses. The social life of domestic horses was characterised by long lasting bonds with preferred partners which were established and maintained by allogrooming, play, proximity and dominance behaviours. Bonding partners were mainly found within the same sex-age group, but adult geldings also bonded with sub-adult mares and geldings. Adult mares were clustered in a group, while the other animals formed a second group. Among the adult mares, subgroups according to reproductive state were formed. Individuals regulated their social network by interfering with interactions between other members of the herd, which in itself is complex. An intervention is a behavioural action of one animal that actively interferes with an ongoing interaction between a dyad with the apparent aim of altering that interaction. This was verified by post-hoc analyses of disturbed and undisturbed interactions. Interventions in allogrooming or play were performed significantly more often when at least one member of the initial dyad was a preferred partner of, or familiar to (within the small introduced bands) the intervener. The stronger the preferred association in allogrooming between the intervener and member(s) of the initial dyad, the higher the probability the intervener would displace one initial member and continue allogrooming with the other. Just five behaviours were extracted which reliably reflected the dominance relations among horses. Aggression with the hind quarters was used both offensively and defensively and therefore not suitable as a reliable parameter. Individual dominance relationships were related to social experience. The implications of these findings for horse husbandry were assessed. It is argued that the execution of affiliative behaviours may be rewarding in itself, and therefore always will be a highly motivated behaviour. It is shown that social positive physical interactions (allogrooming, play) with other horses is an ethological need and therefore indispensable in modern husbandry systems. Ethological needs are so important for the animal that husbandry systems that lack the possibilities to execute such behaviours will cause chronic stress. It is concluded that all horses need physical social contact, and that horses, which lack appropriate social learning experiences during ontogeny, may be hampered in their social functioning later in life. Solutions for problems, including dominance problems, in individual social housing and group housing are presented.
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2368
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Author Clutton-Brock, T.H.; Harvey, P.H.
Title Primates, brains and ecology Type Journal Article
Year 1980 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) J. Zool. Lond.
Volume 190 Issue 3 Pages 309-323
Keywords
Abstract The paper examines systematic relationships among primates between brain size (relative to body size) and differences in ecology and social system. Marked differences in relative brain size exist between families. These are correlated with inter-family differences in body size and home range size. Variation in comparative brain size within families is related to diet (folivores have comparatively smaller brains than frugivores), home range size and possibly also to breeding system. The adaptive significance of these relationships is discussed.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Blackwell Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1469-7998 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5451
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Author Alexander, R, MCN et al
Title Fast locomotion of some african ungulates Type Journal Article
Year 1977 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) J Zool
Volume 183 Issue 3 Pages 291-300
Keywords
Abstract ABSTRACT

Ten species of ungulate were filmed, galloping in their natural habitat. They ranged in size from Thomson's gazelle (about 20 kg) to giraffe (about 1000 kg). They were pursued to make them run as fast as possible. The films have been analysed to determine speed, stride frequency, stride and step lengths, and duty factors. The dependence of these quantities on body size is discussed.



Summary:

Fast locomotion of zebra, giraffe, warthog and seven species of Bovidae has been studied. The animals were filmed from a pursuing vehicle while galloping in their natural habitat.

Stride frequency was more closely correlated with limb length (represented by hip height) than with body mass. Mean stride frequency was proportional to (hip height)-0·51 and maximum stride frequency to (hip height) -0·63.

Maximum speed was between 10 and 14 m s -1 for all species except buffalo (7 m s -1). It was not significantly correlated with body mass.

Since the small species ran at least as fast as the large ones they attained higher Froude numbers. Relative stride length was approximately 1·8 (Froude number)0·39 for all species, irrespective of size. Relative step length was approximately 0·65 (Froude number)0·2, both for the fore feet and for the hind ones. The vertical forces exerted by the feet are proportional to (body weight)×(Froude number)0·2 so the forces at maximum speed are larger multiples of body weight for small species than for large ones.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes from Prof. Hans Klingels Equine Reference List Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 130
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Author King, S.R.B.; Gurnell, J.
Title Scent-marking behaviour by stallions: an assessment of function in a reintroduced population of Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) J Zool
Volume 272 Issue 1 Pages 30-36
Keywords
Abstract Abstract Scent marking is a common form of intraspecific communication in mammal species, and using faeces or urine is a cost-effective way of signalling competitive ability and resource holding power. Marking is ritually performed by male equids, and here we assess the function of male scent-marking behaviour in a recently introduced population of Przewalski horses Equus ferus przewalskii in Mongolia. Two forms of scent marking were observed: defecation on stud piles formed from repeated dunging in the same place, and overmarking of faeces and urine of mares. Stud piles were marked with dung by the harem holder and sniffed before and after dung was deposited. They were not found specifically at the periphery of harem ranges but occurred for the most part along routes used by the horses, and were more common in the core parts of harem ranges or where harem ranges overlapped. Thus, rather than being used to defend range boundaries, stud piles were placed predominantly where they would be encountered by male intruders. Mare excreta were covered with urine by the stallion, but were only sniffed before they were marked, not after. These marks appear to advertise to the mare and other, intruding stallions that the harem holder was the mare's consort and that the interloper should not risk trying to steal the mare or sneak a mating. Thus, the two forms of marking by harem holders appear to combine as first and second lines of defence of paternity rights in male intrasexual competition.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ King2007 Serial 2315
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Author de Villiers, M.S.; Richardson, P.R.K.; van Jaarsveld, A.S.
Title Patterns of coalition formation and spatial association in a social carnivore, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) J Zool
Volume 260 Issue 4 Pages 377-389
Keywords coalitions; social systems; Carnivora; Lycaon pictus
Abstract In many social species, relationships within groups seem to be non-random but related to variables such as rank, kinship or sexual attractiveness. The endangered African wild dog Lycaon pictus is a social carnivore that lives in large, stable packs, and intra-pack associations might be expected to display similar patterns. We investigated patterns of coalition formation (support during dominance interactions, and partnership interactions) and resting associations between members of a captive pack of 19 wild dogs. The social organization of the captive pack was similar to that of free-ranging packs in many respects. Polyadic (group) incidents of coalition support were also observed in a free-ranging pack. Patterns of coalition formation in the captive pack were related to rank. Most aggressive interactions involved high-ranking individuals (particularly the alpha, beta and third-ranking males) and coalitionary support tended to reinforce the existing hierarchy. However, there was at least one example of support influencing a successful rank challenge. Support was affected by potential risks and benefits, the latter including dominance through association and revolutionary alliances. An even stronger pattern overlaid associations between pack members: coalitions and resting associations were strongest between members of the same age–sex cohort, and may have enabled the eventual dominance of younger pack members over adults. Among adults, coalitionary associations were sometimes overridden by intersexual relationships. The results from this captive pack suggest that wild dogs are sensitive to differences in competitive ability. This information, in conjunction with strong affiliative bonds between littermates, is used to manoeuvre for position in the social hierarchy. It may also be important during dispersal, in encounters with other dispersing groups of the same sex. Although most features of the social structure of the captive pack were comparable to those of free-ranging packs, aspects such as the influence of relatedness on coalition formation still need to be explored.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Blackwell Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1469-7998 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5249
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Author Mace, G.M.; Harvey, P.H.; Clutton-Brock, T.H.
Title Brain size and ecology in small mammals Type Journal Article
Year 1981 Publication Journal of Zoology Abbreviated Journal (down) J Zool
Volume 193 Issue 3 Pages 333-354
Keywords
Abstract Relative brain size (measured as gross brain size after body size effects are removed) differs systematically between families of rodents, insectivores and lagomorphs. The Sciuridae have the largest relative brain size, the Soricidae and Bathyergidae the smallest. These results are discussed and compared with previous analyses of relative brain sizes among primates and bats. These differences complicate comparisons between relative brain size across phylogenetically diverse species and attempts to relate differences in relative brain size to ecological variables. To overcome these problems, best fit relationships were estimated for each family, and values for each genus were expressed as deviations from the lines of best fit. We refer to these values as Comparative Brain Size (CBS). Differences in CBS are related to differences in habitat type (forest-dwelling genera have larger CBS' than grassland forms), in diet (folivores have smaller CBS' than generalists or insectivores, frugivores and granivores), in zonation (arboreal genera have larger CBS' than terrestrial ones) and in activity timing (nocturnal genera have larger CBS' than dirurnal ones). However, these ecological categories are interrelated and, when the effects of other ecological differences are taken into account using analyses of variance, only the differences associated with diet, and possibly habitat remain.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Blackwell Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1469-7998 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5455
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