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Author Bang, A.; Deshpande, S.; Sumana, A.; Gadagkar, R.
Title Choosing an appropriate index to construct dominance hierarchies in animal societies: a comparison of three indices Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Animal Behaviour Abbreviated Journal
Volume 79 Issue 3 Pages 631-636
Keywords (up) dominance behaviour; dominance hierarchy; dominance index; dominance rank; Ropalidia cyathiformis; Ropalidia marginata; social wasp
Abstract A plethora of indices have been proposed and used to construct dominance hierarchies in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate societies, although the rationale for choosing a particular index for a particular species is seldom explained. In this study, we analysed and compared three such indices, viz Clutton-Brock et al.'s index (CBI), originally developed for red deer, Cervus elaphus, David's score (DS) originally proposed by the statistician H. A. David and the frequency-based index of dominance (FDI) developed and routinely used by our group for the primitively eusocial wasps Ropalidia marginata and Ropalidia cyathiformis. Dominance ranks attributed by all three indices were strongly and positively correlated for both natural data sets from the wasp colonies and for artificial data sets generated for the purpose. However, the indices differed in their ability to yield unique (untied) ranks in the natural data sets. This appears to be caused by the presence of noninteracting individuals and reversals in the direction of dominance in some of the pairs in the natural data sets. This was confirmed by creating additional artificial data sets with noninteracting individuals and with reversals. Based on the criterion of yielding the largest proportion of unique ranks, we found that FDI is best suited for societies such as the wasps belonging to Ropalidia, DS is best suited for societies with reversals and CBI remains a suitable index for societies such as red deer in which multiple interactions are uncommon.
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ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5837
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Author Nelissen, M.H.J.
Title The effect of tied rank numbers on the linearity of dominance hierarchies Type Journal Article
Year 1986 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 12 Issue 2 Pages 159-168
Keywords (up) dominance hierarchy, linearity, Landau's index, despotism
Abstract The occurence of tied rank numbers in dominance hierarchies is discussed, especially its effect on the linearity of the hierarchy. This linearity is measured with Landau's index, that is calculated for several hierarchies with tied ranks on one, two of three levels. Linearity is mostly affected by ties in small groups with many ties. A distinction is made between a hierarchy of individuals and hierarchical levels. The phenomenon of despotism is called an extreme case of tied ranks. It is proposed to regard hierarchies with a linearity in a continuous scale.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4285
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Author Wittemyer, G.; Getz, W.M.
Title A likely ranking interpolation for resolving dominance orders in systems with unknown relationships Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Behaviour Abbreviated Journal Behaviour
Volume 143 Issue 7 Pages 909-930
Keywords (up) DOMINANCE HIERARCHY; ALGORITH; SOCIAL AGONISTIC INTERACTIONS
Abstract n many animal systems agonistic interactions may be rare or not overt, particularly where such interactions are costly or of high risk as is common for large mammals. We present a technique developed specifically for resolving an optimized dominance order of individuals in systems with transitive (i.e. linear) dominance relationships, but where not all relationships are known. Our method augments the widely used I&SI method (de Vries, 1998) with an interpolation function for resolving the relative ranks of individuals with unknown relationships. Our method offers several advantages over other dominance methods by enabling the incorporation of any proportion of unknown relationships, resolving a unique solution to any dominance matrix, and calculating cardinal dominance strengths for each individual. As such, this method enables novel insight into difficult to study behavioural systems.
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Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 438
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Author Hemelrijk,C. K.; Wantia,J.; Gygax,L.
Title The construction of dominance order: comparing performance of five methods using an individual-based model Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Behaviour Abbreviated Journal Behaviour
Volume 142 Issue 8 Pages 1043-1064
Keywords (up) dominance order, ranking method, agent-based model, statistical method, aggression
Abstract In studies of animal behaviour investigators correlate dominance with all kinds of behavioural

variables, such as reproductive success and foraging success. Many methods are used to

produce a dominance hierarchy from a matrix reflecting the frequency of winning dominance

interactions. These different methods produce different hierarchies. However, it is difficult to

decide which ranking method is best. In this paper, we offer a new procedure for this decision:

we use an individual-based model, called DomWorld, as a test-environment. We choose this

model, because it provides access to both the internal dominance values of artificial agents

(which reflects their fighting power) and the matrix of winning and losing among them and,

in addition, because its behavioural rules are biologically inspired and its group-level patterns

resemble those of real primates. We compare statistically the dominance hierarchy based on

the internal dominance values of the artificial agents with the dominance hierarchy produced

by ranking individuals by (a) their total frequency of winning, (b) their average dominance

index, (c) a refined dominance index, the David`s score, (d) the number of subordinates each

individual has and (e) a ranking method based on maximizing the linear order of the hierarchy.

Because dominance hierarchies may differ depending on group size, type of society, and the

interval of study, we compare these ranking methods for these conditions.We study complete

samples as well as samples randomly chosen to resemble the limitations of observing real

animals. It appears that two methods of medium complexity (the average dominance index

and David`s score) lead to hierarchical orders that come closest to the hierarchy based on

internal dominance values of the agents. We advocate usage of the average dominance index,

because of its computational simplicity.
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Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 445
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Author Weeks, J.W.; Crowell-Davis, S.L.; Caudle, A.B.; Heusner, G.L.
Title Aggression and social spacing in light horse (Equus caballus) mares and foals Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 68 Issue 4 Pages 319-337
Keywords (up) Dominance relationships; Horse; Sex differences; Social ontogeny; aggregation; parent-offspring interaction; social behavior
Abstract Aggression and social spacing were studied in 14 light horse mares and their foals living at pasture. Focal samples were collected on each mare-foal dyad for 6 to 10.5 h from 2 months of foal age until weaning at approximately 4 months of age. Observations on foals continued until approximately 6 months of age for 7.5 to 10.5 h per foal. Every 2 min the identities of all individuals within 5 m were recorded. All occurrences of agonistic behavior, and the participants, were recorded during the focal samples. In addition, during feeding of supplemental grain, all occurrences of agonistic behavior by all subjects were recorded. Significant correlations were found between mare rank and the rank of foals both prior to and after weaning. Before weaning, the rank of the foal was significantly correlated with birth order. No significant correlation between birth order and foal rank was found for the post-weaning hierarchy. An animal's gender had no significant effect on foal rank or the choice of preferred associate. Both prior to and after weaning, foals associated preferentially with the foal of their dam's most preferred associate. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between rank of mares and foals and the rate at which they directed aggression to other herd members. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
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Notes Cited By (since 1996): 7; Export Date: 21 April 2007; Source: Scopus Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 788
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Author Langbein, J.; Puppe, B.
Title Analysing dominance relationships by sociometric methods--a plea for a more standardised and precise approach in farm animals Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 87 Issue 3-4 Pages 293-315
Keywords (up) Dominance; Dyads; Social hierarchy; Sociometric measures; Pig; Dwarf goat
Abstract Social dominance is a multidimensional phenomenon occurring in all gregarious farm animals and finds its reflection in a dominance hierarchy. Hence, numerous studies have tried to analyse dominance relationships as well as to correlate outcoming results (mostly individual ranks) with other behavioural and/or physiological features of the animals. Although the concept of dominance, once established, has been developed continuously and several sociometric measures were cumulatively introduced, a consistent analysing approach has not been achieved, especially in farm animals. Thus, considerable inconsistencies in the used methodology may impair obtained results and interpretations. The present paper is a plea for a more standardised and complex approach when analysing dominance relationships, not only in farm animals. First, derived from a structural definition of dominance, we suggest in detail the preferably consistent use of appropriate sociometric measures at all social levels of analysis: the dyad as the starting level, the group as the highest level, and the individual as the basic level. Second, we applied this procedures in a case study to analyse social dominance in a group of dwarf goats (n=12) and pigs (n=10), respectively, to comparatively demonstrate benefits and problems of such an approach in two different farm animal species. It is concluded that the use of individual ranks is actually only reasonable when fundamental sociometric measures both at the dyadic level (e.g. percentage of dyads which have a significant asymmetric outcome) and at the group level (e.g. the strength of hierarchy) are successfully tested by statistical methods as also presented in this paper. The calculated sociometric measures deliver not only a more comprehensive “picture” of the social relationships within a group as simple ranks do, but also indicate possible reasons of differences in the behavioural development. For instance, whereas the dwarf goats maintained a quasi-linear dominance hierarchy over time with a high rate of overt agonistic behaviour, pigs after the establishment of their hierarchy showed a reduced agonistic behaviour which makes it questionable to calculate reliable sociometric measures. These species-dependent variations may be primarily caused by different kinds of the fighting behaviour in goats (i.e. ritualised, low costs) and pigs (i.e. more seriously, high costs). Overall, a more consistent and standardised approach of analysing social dominance in (farm) animals may improve the scientific value of single studies and makes it easier to compare various studies within a species and between species.
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Call Number Serial 2141
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Author Schooening, B.
Title Ethology of the horse Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Praktische Tierarzt Abbreviated Journal Prakt. Tierarzt
Volume 79 Issue 6 Suppl. Pages 25-28
Keywords (up) Dominance; Ethology; Horse; Propedeutics
Abstract The paper starts with a short introduction/definition about ethology and the used methods in this scientific field, giving special examples for horses and about how their “normal behaviour” is measured. The behaviour repertoire of horses is described in a brief outline with special emphasis on their social systems and hierarchies and the problem of dominance, especially in interaction with humans. Schlütersche GmbH & Co. KG, Verlag und Druckerei.
Address Saselbergweg 32, 22395 Hamburg, Germany
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ISSN 0032681x (Issn) ISBN Medium
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Notes Cited By (since 1996): 1; Export Date: 21 April 2007; Source: Scopus; Language of Original Document: German; Correspondence Address: Schoßning, B.Saselbergweg 32 22395 Hamburg, Germany; email: Dr.B.Schoening@t-online.de Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 789
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Author Beaugrand, J.P
Title Relative importance of initial individual differences, agonistic experience, and assessment accuracy during hierarchy formation: a simulation study Type Journal Article
Year 1997 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 41 Issue Pages 177-192
Keywords (up) Dominance; Hierarchy formation; RHP; Agonistic experience; Assessment; Self-organization; Simulation
Abstract This simulation study explores some conditions leading to transitivity within dominance orders. Combinations of three parameters were varied to study their consequences upon hierarchy formation and upon the degree of linearity of resultant structures. The factors studied were: (1) the importance of initial resource holding potentials (RHPs); (2) changes brought in RHPs by successive victories and defeats; and (3) accuracy of RHP assessment made by opponents. Results show that initial differences in RHP always lead to perfectly transitive chains whose rank order reflects the importance of initial differences. Even when simulated animals make important errors while assessing each other during round robin tournaments, emerging dominance structures are perfectly linear and ranks obtained in the structure are highly correlated with initial values in RHPs. Moreover, accumulated experiences of victory and/or defeat alone always lead to perfectly linear hierarchies. Their combination with initial individual differences in RHP led to the same conclusion. Even when assessment was far from being perfect, not only perfect chains were formed but initial values in RHPs significantly influenced rank order when the contribution of victory and defeat to RHP was relatively unimportant. The higher the importance of victory and defeat to RHP as compared to that of initial RHP values, the lower was the correlation between initial RHP values and the ranks order reached by individuals in the resultant hierarchies. In general also, the lower the variation within initial RHPs, the lower was the correlation between initial RHPs and ranks in the hierarchy. At a given level of initial RHP dispersion, increasing the contribution of victory and defeat to RHP diminished the correlation between initial RHP values and obtained ranks. In addition, inaccurate assessment reduced the overall correlation, especially when dispersion of initial RHP values was low and the contribution of victory and defeat relatively unimportant. These results shed some light on the controversy about the respective roles of initial individual attributes and that of patterns of resolution in the formation of animal hierarchies. We present the emergence of social order within closed systems as those simulated here as a case of self-organization.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4290
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Author Beaugrand, J.P.
Title Relative importance of initial individual differences, victory and defeat experiences, and assessment accuracy during hierarchy formation: A simulation study Type Miscellaneous
Year 1997 Publication Cogprints Abbreviated Journal
Volume 41 Issue Pages 177-192
Keywords (up) Dominance; Hierarchy formation; RHP; agonistic experience; Assessment; Self-organization; Simulation
Abstract This simulation study explores some conditions leading to transitivity within dominance orders. Combinations of three parameters were varied to study their consequences upon hierarchy formation and upon the degree of linearity of resultant structures. The factors studied were (i) the importance of initial Resource Holding Potentials (RHPs) , (ii) changes brought in RHPs by successive victories and defeats, and (iii) accuracy of RHP assessment made by opponents. Results show that initial differences in RHP always lead to perfectly transitive chains whose rank order reflects the importance of initial differences. Even when simulated animals make important errors while assessing each other during round robin tournaments, emerging dominance structures are perfectly linear and ranks obtained in the structure are highly correlated with initial values in RHPs. Moreover, accumulated experiences of victory and/or defeat alone always lead to perfectly linear hierarchies. Their combination with initial individual differences in RHP led to the same conclusion. Even when assessment was far from being perfect, not only perfect chains were formed but initial values in RHPs significantly influenced rank order when the contribution of victory and defeat to RHP was relatively unimportant. The higher the importance of victory and defeat to RHP as compared to that of initial RHP values, the lower was the correlation between initial RHP values and the ranks order reached by individuals in the resultant hierarchies. In general also, the lower the variation within initial RHPs, the lower was the correlation between initial RHPs and ranks in the hierarchy. At a given level of initial RHP dispersion, increasing the contribution of victory and defeat to RHP diminished the correlation between initial RHP values and obtained ranks. In addition, inaccurate assessment reduced the overall correlation, especially when dispersion of initial RHP values was low and the contribution of victory and defeat was high. These results shed some light on the controversy about the respective roles of initial individual attributes and that of patterns of resolution in the formation of animal hierarchies. We present the emergence of social order within closed systems as those simulated here as a case of self-organization.
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Publisher Elsevier Place of Publication Editor
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ cogprints:1965 Serial 4291
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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 Netherl. J. Zool.
Volume 45 Issue 3-4 Pages 362-385
Keywords (up) 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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Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 440
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