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Author Ginsberg, J. R; Rubenstein, D. I.
Title Sperm competiton and variation in zebra mating behaviour Type Journal Article
Year 1990 Publication Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol.
Volume 26 Issue 6 Pages 427-434
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Abstract Data are presented on the breeding behavior of two zebra species to test whether intra- and interspecific variation in male reproductive behavior and physiology are correlated with differences in female promiscuity. In one species, plains zebra (Equus burchelli) females live in closed membership single male groups and mate monandrously. In the other species, the Grevy's zebra (E. grevyi) females live in groups whose membership is much more temporary. Typically, associations with individual males are brief and mating is polyandrous. However, some females – those having just given birth – reside with one male for long periods, mating monandrously. These differences in female mating behavior generate variability in the potential for sperm competition. We show that behavioral differences in male investment in reproductive activities correlate with the potential for sperm competition. When mating with promiscuous mares, Grevy's zebra stallions made a greater investment in reproductive behavior (calling, mounting, ejaculations) than did stallions of either species when mating with monandrous females. The evolution of large testes size in the Grevy's zebra, when compared to the congeneric plains zebra, horse, and mountain zebra, allows for this increased investment.
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Notes (down) from Professor Hans Klingels Equine Reference List Approved yes
Call Number Serial 1113
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Author Ferrari, M.C.O.; Capitania-Kwok, T.; Chivers, D.P.
Title The role of learning in the acquisition of threat-sensitive responses to predator odours Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol.
Volume 60 Issue 4 Pages 522-527
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Abstract The supposition that prey animals respond to a predator with an intensity that matches the risk posed by the predator is known as the threat-sensitive predator avoidance hypothesis. Many studies have provided support for this hypothesis; yet, few studies have attempted to determine how such abilities are acquired by prey species. In this study, we investigated whether fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) could learn to recognize an unknown predator (northern pike, Esox lucius) in such a way that they could match the intensity of their antipredator response with the threat posed by the predator. We exposed pike-naive minnows to conspecific alarm cues paired with either a high or low concentration of pike odor. The following day, both groups were tested for a response to either high or low concentration of pike odor alone. We found that minnows conditioned with alarm cues paired with a given concentration of pike odor subsequently responded with a higher intensity to higher concentrations of pike odor, and with a lower intensity to lower concentrations of pike odor. These results demonstrate that during a single conditioning trial, minnows learn the identity of the predator in a threat-sensitive manner. Minnows use predator odor concentrations that they experience in subsequent interactions to adjust the intensity of their antipredator behavior. © Springer-Verlag 2006.
Address Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 5E2, Canada
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Notes (down) Cited By (since 1996): 8; Export Date: 24 October 2008; Source: Scopus Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4620
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Author Shultz, S.; Finlayson, L.V.
Title Large body and small brain and group sizes are associated with predator preferences for mammalian prey Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 21 Issue 5 Pages 1073-1079
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Abstract Predation is a major force in shaping biological communities, both over ecological and evolutionary timescales. In response to predation pressure, prey have evolved characteristics designed to mitigate predation pressure. We evaluated predator foraging biases in relation to prey characteristics across 16 vertebrate communities. We show that although predator biases vary, some prey traits are consistently associated with predator diet composition. Within their acceptable prey size range, predators show positive bias toward larger bodied prey, small-brained prey (controlling for body size), small group size, and terrestriality. Thus, whether predator foraging decisions are passive or active, predator choice exerts differential pressure on prey species according to prey characteristics. Predator biases also were positively associated with early age at maturity, supporting the role of mortality in driving life-history characteristics. These results support several theoretical models of predation including its role as a selective force driving evolutionary changes in life history, brain size and sociality, optimal diet theory, and antiapostatic predation.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arq108 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5262
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Author Smith, J.E.; Van Horn, R.C.; Powning, K.S.; Cole, A.R.; Graham, K.E.; Memenis, S.K.; Holekamp, K.E.
Title Evolutionary forces favoring intragroup coalitions among spotted hyenas and other animals Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 284-303
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Abstract Coalitionary support in agonistic interactions represents cooperation because intervening in a fight is potentially costly to the donor of support but benefits the recipient. Here, we first review the characteristics of, and evolutionary forces favoring, intragroup coalitions in 49 species and find that patterns of intragroup coalition formation are remarkably similar between primates and nonprimates. We then test hypotheses suggesting kin selection, reciprocal altruism, and direct benefits as adaptive explanations for coalitionary interventions among adult female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) belonging to a large social group in Kenya. As predicted by kin selection theory, females supported close kin most often, and the density (connectedness) of cooperation networks increased with genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, kinship failed to protect females from coalitionary attacks. We found no evidence of enduring alliances based on reciprocal support among unrelated adult females. Instead, donors generally minimized costs to themselves, intervening most often during low-intensity fights and when feeding opportunities were unavailable. Females also gained direct benefits from directing coalitionary attacks toward subordinates. Finally, females monitored the number of dominant bystanders in the “audience” at fights and modified their level of cooperation based on this knowledge. Overall, hyenas made flexible decisions regarding whether or not to intervene in fights, modifying their tendency to cooperate based on multiple types of information about their immediate social and ecological environments. Taken together, these findings indicate that the combined evolutionary forces of kin selection and direct benefits derived from reinforcing the status quo drive coalitionary interventions among adult female spotted hyenas.
Address agonistic support, audience effect, cooperation network, direct benefits, kin selection * reciprocal altruism * review
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arp181 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5285
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Author Smith, B.R.; Blumstein, D.T.
Title Fitness consequences of personality: a meta-analysis Type Journal Article
Year 2008 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages 448-455
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Abstract The study of nonhuman personality capitalizes on the fact that individuals of many species behave in predictable, variable, and quantifiable ways. Although a few empirical studies have examined the ultimate consequences of personality differences, there has been no synthesis of results. We conducted a formal meta-analysis of published studies reporting fitness consequences of single personality dimensions to identify general trends across species. We found bolder individuals had increased reproductive success, particularly in males, but incurred a survival cost, thus, supporting the hypothesis that variation in boldness was maintained due to a “trade-off” in fitness consequences across contexts. Potential mechanisms maintaining variation in exploration and aggression are not as clear. Exploration had a positive effect only on survival, whereas aggression had a positive effect on both reproductive success and, not significantly, on survival. Such results would suggest that selection is driving populations to become more explorative and aggressive. However, limitations in meta-analytic techniques preclude us from testing for the effects of fluctuating environmental conditions or other forms of selection on these dimensions. Results do, however, provide evidence for general relationships between personality and fitness, and we provide a framework for future studies to follow in the hopes of spurring more in-depth, long-term research into the evolutionary mechanisms maintaining variation in personality dimensions and overall behavioral syndromes. We conclude with a discussion on how understanding and managing personality traits may play a key role in the captive breeding and recovery programs of endangered species.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arm144 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5226
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Author Fischhoff, I.R.; Sundaresan, S.R.; Cordingley, J.; Rubenstein, D.I.
Title Habitat use and movements of plains zebra (Equus burchelli) in response to predation danger from lions Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 18 Issue 4 Pages 725-729
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Abstract Prey species must adapt their behavior to avoid predation. As a key prey item for lions (Panthera leo), plains zebras (Equus burchelli) were expected to respond to immediate threats posed by lions in their area. In addition, zebras were predicted to exhibit behavior tuned to reduce the potential for encounters with lions, by modifying their movement patterns in the times of day and habitats of greatest lion danger. We studied a population of approximately 600 plains zebra living in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. We found that zebra abundance on or near a grassland patch was lower if lions had also been observed on that patch during the same day. Predation danger was highest in grassland habitat during the night, when lions were more active. Zebra sightings and global positioning system radio collar data indicated that zebras also reduced their use of grassland at night, instead using more woodland habitat. Zebras moved faster and took sharper turns in grassland at night. It is hypothesized that these more erratic movements assist zebras in avoiding detection or capture by lions.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arm036 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4360
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Author Ajie, B.C.; Pintor, L.M.; Watters, J.; Kerby, J.L.; Hammond, J.I.; Sih, A.
Title A framework for determining the fitness consequences of antipredator behavior Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 18 Issue 1 Pages 267-270
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Abstract Behavioral ecologists have long been interested in understanding the adaptive value of antipredator behavior (Sih 1987Go; Lima and Dill 1990Go; Lima 1998Go). A recent review by Lind and Cresswell (2005)Go, however, noted some important difficulties with quantifying the fitness consequences of antipredator behaviors. In essence, Lind and Cresswell suggest that most studies do not provide strong evidence on the adaptive value of antipredator behavior because they do not consider 1) trade-offs between antipredator and reproductive performance, 2) the abilities of organisms to avoid fitness losses associated with constraints on focal traits by employing behavioral alternatives (behavioral compensation), and 3) the effects of behavioral defenses at different stages of the predation sequence. The authors rightfully assert that an understanding of these issues can only be accomplished by measuring multiple traits and fitness components (i.e., survival and reproduction). Nevertheless, the question of how to integrate such data into
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arl064 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4087
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Author Shrader, A.M.; Kerley, G.I.H.; Kotler, B.P.; Brown, J.S.
Title Social information, social feding, and competition in group-living goats (Capra hircus) Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 18 Issue 1 Pages 103-107
Keywords fear, group foraging, harvest rates, intraspecific competition, social information.
Abstract There are both benefits (e.g., social information) and costs (e.g., intraspecific competition) for individuals foraging in groups. To ascertain how group-foraging goats (Capra hircus) deal with these trade-offs, we asked 1) do goats use social information to make foraging decisions and 2) how do they adjust their intake rate in light of having attracted by other group members? To establish whether goats use social information, we recorded their initial choice of different quality food patches when they were ignorant of patch quality and when they could observe others foraging. After determining that goats use social information, we recorded intake rates while they fed alone and in the presence of potential competitors. Intake rate increased as the number of competitors increased. Interestingly, lone goats achieved an intake rate that was higher than when one competitor was present but similar to when two or more competitors were present. Faster intake rates may allow herbivores to ingest a larger portion of the available food before competing group members arrive at the patch. This however, does not explain the high intake rates achieved when the goats were alone. We provide 2 potential explanations: 1) faster intake rates are a response to greater risk incurred by lone individuals, the loss of social information, and the fear of being left behind by the group and 2) when foraging alone, intake rate is no longer a trade-off between reducing competition and acquiring social information. Thus, individuals are able to feed close to their maximum rate.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arl057 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 814
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Author Rosell, F.; Sanda, J.I.
Title Potential risks of olfactory signaling: the effect of predators on scent marking by beavers Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 17 Issue 6 Pages 897-904
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Abstract Mammals scent mark their territories to advertise occupancy and ownership. However, signaling with scent for territorial defense can have a negative effect by advertising an individual's presence and location to predators. In this study, we measured responses to a simulated territorial intrusion by conspecific adult male Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) either in the localized presence or in the absence of odor of a predator to test the hypothesis that the territorial defense of free-living beavers would be disrupted by the presence of predation risk in their natural environment. We predicted that beavers would significantly reduce their willingness to countermark intruder's scent in the presence of the scent of predators (wolf [Canis lupus] and lynx [Lynx lynx]), compared with a control (no odor), as responses are in general stronger to predator scent marks than nonpredator scent. Therefore, we also predicted that the effects of nonpredatory mammal scent (neophobic control) (eland [Taurotragus oryx] and horse [Equus cabalus]) are to be expected somewhere in between the effects of the predator odor and a control. Our results suggest that both predator and nonpredator scents reduce beavers response to a simulated intruder's scent mounds and therefore disrupt their territorial defense. However, predator scent had a stronger effect than nonpredator scent. Beavers may therefore be at great risk on territories with predators present because of the trade-off between predator avoidance and territorial defense. Our study demonstrates the potential of predation risk as a powerful agent of counterselection on olfactory signaling behavior.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/arl022 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4359
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Author Vahl, W.K.; Lok, T.; van der Meer, J.; Piersma, T.; Weissing, F.J.
Title Spatial clumping of food and social dominance affect interference competition among ruddy turnstones Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Behavioral Ecology Abbreviated Journal Behav. Ecol.
Volume 16 Issue 5 Pages 834-844
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Abstract In studying the success of foraging animals, studies of interference competition have put emphasis on effects of competitor density, whereas studies of resource defense have focused on the effects of the spatial distribution of food within patches. Very few studies have looked at both factors simultaneously, that is, determined whether the effects of competitor density on foraging success depend on the spatial distribution of food. We studied the behavior and the foraging success of ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres) using an experiment in which we varied both the presence of a competitor and the food distribution. Because turnstones may differ strongly in their relative dominance status, we also experimentally varied the foragers' relative dominance status. We found that the presence of a competitor only reduced the foraging success of subordinate birds foraging at the clumped food distribution. At this condition, dominant and subordinate birds differed markedly in their foraging success. Contrary to our expectations, we did not observe more agonistic behavior at the clumped food distribution. This indicates that the amount of agonistic behavior observed may be a bad indicator of interference effects. These findings have specific implications for models of interference competition. Most notably they show that the effects of competitor density on agonistic behavior and foraging success may well depend on the spatial distribution of food and the foragers' relative dominance status. Additionally, our results suggest that social dominance will not be fully understood without considering long-term processes such as the formation and maintenance of social dominance hierarchies.
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Notes (down) 10.1093/beheco/ari067 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 761
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