| Records |
| Author |
Dall, S.R.X.; Giraldeau, L.-A.; Olsson, O.; McNamara, J.M.; Stephens, D.W. |
| Title |
Information and its use by animals in evolutionary ecology |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Trends in Ecology & Evolution (Personal Edition) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Trends Ecol Evol |
| Volume |
20 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
187-193 |
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| Abstract |
Information is a crucial currency for animals from both a behavioural and evolutionary perspective. Adaptive behaviour relies upon accurate estimation of relevant ecological parameters; the better informed an individual, the better it can develop and adjust its behaviour to meet the demands of a variable world. Here, we focus on the burgeoning interest in the impact of ecological uncertainty on adaptation, and the means by which it can be reduced by gathering information, from both 'passive' and 'responsive' sources. Our overview demonstrates the value of adopting an explicitly informational approach, and highlights the components that one needs to develop useful approaches to studying information use by animals. We propose a quantitative framework, based on statistical decision theory, for analysing animal information use in evolutionary ecology. Our purpose is to promote an integrative approach to studying information use by animals, which is itself integral to adaptive animal behaviour and organismal biology. |
| Address |
Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Tremough Campus, Penryn, UK, TR10 9EZ. sashadall@iname.com |
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0169-5347 |
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| Notes |
PMID:16701367 |
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no |
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Serial |
2128 |
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| Author |
Conradt, L.; Roper, T.J. |
| Title |
Consensus decision making in animals |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Trends in Ecology & Evolution (Personal Edition) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Trends Ecol Evol |
| Volume |
20 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
449-456 |
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| Abstract |
Individual animals routinely face decisions that are crucial to their fitness. In social species, however, many of these decisions need to be made jointly with other group members because the group will split apart unless a consensus is reached. Here, we review empirical and theoretical studies of consensus decision making, and place them in a coherent framework. In particular, we classify consensus decisions according to the degree to which they involve conflict of interest between group members, and whether they involve either local or global communication; we ask, for different categories of consensus decision, who makes the decision, what are the underlying mechanisms, and what are the functional consequences. We conclude that consensus decision making is common in non-human animals, and that cooperation between group members in the decision-making process is likely to be the norm, even when the decision involves significant conflict of interest. |
| Address |
Department of Biology and Environmental Science, John Maynard Smith Building, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK, BN1 9QG. L.Conradt@sussex.ac.uk |
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0169-5347 |
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PMID:16701416 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4802 |
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| Author |
Momozawa, Y.; Kusunose, R.; Kikusui, T.; Takeuchi, Y.; Mori, Y. |
| Title |
Assessment of equine temperament questionnaire by comparing factor structure between two separate surveys |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
92 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
77-84 |
| Keywords |
Anxiety; Factor analysis; Horses; Questionnaires; Temperament |
| Abstract |
To establish a method for assessing equine temperament by use of a questionnaire, we carried out two surveys. The subject animals were all thoroughbreds maintained at the same farm. Respondents were the primary caretaker and two colleagues working with each horse. Factor analysis was performed on the responses to each survey. In both surveys, five factors were extracted and four of them were common between the two surveys. The common factors were [`]Anxiety', [`]Trainability', [`]Affability', and [`]Gate entrance'. There were sufficient internal consistencies in responses about [`]Anxiety', [`]Trainability', and [`]Affability' in the two surveys to indicate the validity of this questionnaire in evaluating these factors in equine temperament. |
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0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5063 |
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Pongrácz, P.; Miklósi, Á.; Vida, V.; Csányi, V. |
| Title |
The pet dogs ability for learning from a human demonstrator in a detour task is independent from the breed and age |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
90 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
309-323 |
| Keywords |
Dog; Breed differences; Social learning |
| Abstract |
There are many indications and much practical knowledge about the different tasks which various breeds of dogs are selected for. Correspondingly these different breeds are known to possess different physical and mental abilities. We hypothesized that commonly kept breeds will show differences in their problem solving ability in a detour task around a V-shaped fence, and also, that breed differences will affect their learning ability from a human demonstrator, who demonstrates a detour around the fence. Subjects were recruited in Hungarian pet dog schools. We compared the results of the 10 most common breeds in our sample when they were tested in the detour task without human demonstration. There was no significant difference between the latencies of detour, however, there was a trend that German Shepherd dogs were the quickest and Giant Schnauzers were the slowest in this test. For testing the social learning ability of dogs we formed three breed groups (“utility”, “shepherd” and “hunting”). There were no significant differences between these, all the breed groups learned equally well from the human demonstrator. However, we found that dogs belonging to the “shepherd” group looked back more frequently to their owner than the dogs in the “hunting” group. Further, we have found that the age of pet dogs did not affect their social learning ability in the detour task. Our results showed that the pet status of a dog has probably a stronger effect on its cognitive performance and human related behaviour than its age or breed. These results emphasize that socialization and common activities with the dog might overcome the possible breed differences, if we give the dogs common problem solving, or social learning tasks. |
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0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6584 |
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Pritchard, J.C.; Lindberg, A.C.; Main, D.C.J.; Whay, H.R. |
| Title |
Assessment of the welfare of working horses, mules and donkeys, using health and behaviour parameters |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Preventive Veterinary Medicine |
Abbreviated Journal |
Prev Vet Med |
| Volume |
69 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
265-283 |
| Keywords |
*Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Developing Countries; *Equidae; Female; Health; Male |
| Abstract |
Working animals provide an essential transport resource in developing countries worldwide. Many of these animals are owned by poor people and work in harsh environments, so their welfare is a cause for concern. A protocol was developed to assess the welfare of working horses, mules and donkeys in urban and peri-urban areas, using direct observation of health and behaviour parameters. In this study, 4903 animals used for draught, pack and ridden work in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Jordan and Pakistan were assessed between December 2002 and April 2003. The data showed that donkeys were more likely than mules or horses to demonstrate avoidance or aggressive behaviour towards an observer, while horses were most likely to make a friendly approach. Fewer than 8% of working equines had abnormal mucous membranes, ectoparasites or poor coat condition. Body lesions occurred predominantly in the areas of the breast/shoulder, withers and girth in all three species, with mules having the highest prevalence of lesions in these areas (22.5, 21.3 and 28.4%, respectively). Among horses and donkeys, the prevalence of these lesions was influenced by the type of work carried out. Lesions on the head, neck, ribs, flank and tail base were seen in less than 10% of animals. Across all three species approximately 70% of animals were thin, having a body condition score (BCS) of 2 or less on a scale of 1-5 (1, very thin; 5, very fat) and more horses were in very thin condition (BCS 1) than mules or donkeys. Over 75% of animals demonstrated limb deformities and abnormalities of gait. The results of this study are being used as the initial stage of a long-term strategy to inform priorities for welfare interventions in working equines and to establish a welfare benchmark. Subsequent stages will rank the welfare concerns identified, assess the contributing risk factors and implement specific interventions to address these risks. Following intervention, success in improving welfare will be measured by repetition of this protocol and comparison with the benchmark. |
| Address |
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. joy.pritchard@bristol.ac.uk |
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English |
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0167-5877 |
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| Notes |
PMID:15907574 |
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no |
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Serial |
1889 |
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| Author |
Rizhova, L.Y.; Kokorina, E.P. |
| Title |
Behavioural asymmetry is involved in regulation of autonomic processes: Left side presentation of food improves reproduction and lactation in cows |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Behavioural Brain Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Behav. Brain. Res. |
| Volume |
161 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
75-81 |
| Keywords |
Behavioural asymmetry; Somatic functions; Reproduction; Lactation |
| Abstract |
It is known that the right and left brain hemispheres differ in their ability to regulate autonomic processes in the organism. Direct unilateral stimulation of the brain provokes side-dependent endocrine, immune and other visceral reactions. Since brain hemispheres are mainly involved in the regulation of muscles and sensory organs on the contra lateral side of the body the activation of behavioural asymmetry stimulates the contra lateral half of the brain. The important theoretical and practical question of whether autonomic processes can be regulated via the behavioural asymmetry route remains unexplored. In this study, we report that the chronic presentation of an emotionally important stimulus--food--from the left side, improves reproductive performance in animals in a broad range of feeding conditions. The unilateral presentation of food can also influence lactation, but in this case the side-dependent effects are different under varying feeding conditions. This finding opens a simple practical approach to influence basic somatic functions in the organism. |
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0166-4328 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5348 |
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Shen, Y.-Q.; Hebert, G.; Lin, L.-Y.; Luo, Y.-L.; Moze, E.; Li, K.-S.; Neveu, P.J. |
| Title |
Interleukine-1β and interleukine-6 levels in striatum and other brain structures after MPTP treatment: influence of behavioral lateralization |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
158 |
Issue |
1–2 |
Pages |
14-25 |
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N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; Dopamine; Brain; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-1β; Behavioral lateralization |
| Abstract |
MPTP (N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) induces diminution of the dopamine in nigrostriatal pathway and cognitive deficits in mice. MPTP treatment also increases pro-inflammatory cytokine production in substantia nigra and striatum. Since, pro-inflammatory cytokines influence striatal dopamine content and provoke cognitive impairments, the cognitive defects induced by MPTP may be partly due to brain cytokine induction in other structures than nigrostriatal pathway. Furthermore, behavioral lateralization, as assessed by paw preference, influences cytokine production at the periphery and in the central nervous system. Behavioral lateralization may thus influence brain cytokine levels after MPTP. In order to address these issues, mice selected for paw preference were injected with 25 mg/kg MPTP i.p. for five consecutive days after which striatal dopamine and DOPAC contents were measured by HPLC and IL-1β and IL-6 quantified by ELISA in the striatum, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. The results showed that MPTP treatment induced dramatic loss of DA in striatum, simultaneously, IL-6 levels decreased in the striatum and increased in hippocampus and hypothalamus, while IL-1β levels decreased in the striatum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Interestingly, striatal dopamine turnover under basal conditions as well as striatal IL-1β and IL-6 levels under basal conditions and after MPTP depended on behavioral lateralization. Left pawed mice showed a higher decrease in dopamine turnover and lower cytokine levels as compared to right pawed animals. Behavioral lateralization also influenced IL-6 hippocampal levels under basal conditions and IL-1β cortical levels after MPTP. From these results, it can be concluded that MPTP-induced cognitive defects are accompanied by an alteration of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in brain structures other than those involved in the nigrostriatal pathway. In addition, MPTP-induced dopamine decrease is influenced by behavioral lateralization, possibly through an effect on brain cytokine levels. |
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0165-5728 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5781 |
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| Author |
Hemelrijk, C.K.; Wantia, J. |
| Title |
Individual variation by self-organisation |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews |
Abbreviated Journal |
Neurosci Biobehav Rev |
| Volume |
29 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
125-136 |
| Keywords |
Aggression; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Competitive Behavior/*physiology; Female; Humans; *Individuality; Male; Models, Psychological; Sex Characteristics; *Social Dominance; Time Factors |
| Abstract |
In this paper, we show that differences in dominance and spatial centrality of individuals in a group may arise through self-organisation. Our instrument is a model, called DomWorld, that represents two traits that are often found in animals, namely grouping and competing. In this model individual differences grow under the following conditions: (1) when the intensity of aggression increases and grouping becomes denser, (2) when the degree of sexual dimorphism in fighting power increases. In this case the differences among females compared to males grow too, (3) when, upon encountering another individual, the tendency to attack is 'obligate' and not conditional, namely 'sensitive to risks'. Results resemble phenomena described for societies of primates, mice, birds and pigs. |
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Theoretical Biology, University of Groningen, NN Haren, The Netherlands. hemelrij@ifi.unizh.ch |
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English |
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0149-7634 |
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| Notes |
PMID:15652260 |
Approved |
no |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
443 |
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| Author |
Vallortigara, G.; Rogers, L.J. |
| Title |
Survival with an asymmetrical brain: advantages and disadvantages of cerebral lateralization |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences |
Abbreviated Journal |
Behav Brain Sci |
| Volume |
28 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
575-89; discussion 589-633 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Attention/*physiology; Behavior/*physiology; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Dominance, Cerebral/*physiology; *Evolution; Humans; Models, Biological; Visual Perception/physiology |
| Abstract |
Recent evidence in natural and semi-natural settings has revealed a variety of left-right perceptual asymmetries among vertebrates. These include preferential use of the left or right visual hemifield during activities such as searching for food, agonistic responses, or escape from predators in animals as different as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. There are obvious disadvantages in showing such directional asymmetries because relevant stimuli may be located to the animal's left or right at random; there is no a priori association between the meaning of a stimulus (e.g., its being a predator or a food item) and its being located to the animal's left or right. Moreover, other organisms (e.g., predators) could exploit the predictability of behavior that arises from population-level lateral biases. It might be argued that lateralization of function enhances cognitive capacity and efficiency of the brain, thus counteracting the ecological disadvantages of lateral biases in behavior. However, such an increase in brain efficiency could be obtained by each individual being lateralized without any need to align the direction of the asymmetry in the majority of the individuals of the population. Here we argue that the alignment of the direction of behavioral asymmetries at the population level arises as an “evolutionarily stable strategy” under “social” pressures occurring when individually asymmetrical organisms must coordinate their behavior with the behavior of other asymmetrical organisms of the same or different species. |
| Address |
Department of Psychology and B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, University of Trieste, 34123 Trieste, Italy. vallorti@univ.trieste.it |
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0140-525X |
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| Notes |
PMID:16209828 |
Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4622 |
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| Author |
Zentall, T.R.; Kaiser, D.H. |
| Title |
Interval timing with gaps: gap ambiguity as an alternative to temporal decay |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process |
| Volume |
31 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
484-486 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Behavior, Animal; Discrimination (Psychology)/*physiology; Memory/*physiology; Rats; Time Perception/*physiology |
| Abstract |
C. V. Buhusi, D. Perera, and W. H. Meck (2005) proposed a hypothesis of timing in rats to account for the results of experiments that have used the peak procedure with gaps. According to this hypothesis, the introduction of a gap causes the animal's memory for the pregap interval to passively decay (subjectively shorten) in direct proportion to the duration and salience of the gap. Thus, animals should pause with short, nonsalient gaps but should reset their clock with longer, salient gaps. The present authors suggest that the ambiguity of the gap (i.e., the similarity between the gap and the intertrial interval in both appearance and relative duration) causes the animal to actively reset the clock and prevents adequate assessments of the fate of timed intervals prior to the gap. Furthermore, when the intertrial interval is discriminable from the gap, the evidence suggests that timed intervals prior to the gap are not lost but are retained in memory. |
| Address |
Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA. zentall@uky.edu |
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English |
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0097-7403 |
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PMID:16248734 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
220 |
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