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Horner, V., Whiten, A., Flynn, E., & de Waal, F. B. M. (2006). Faithful replication of foraging techniques along cultural transmission chains by chimpanzees and children. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 103(37), 13878–13883.
Abstract: Observational studies of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) have revealed population-specific differences in behavior, thought to represent cultural variation. Field studies have also reported behaviors indicative of cultural learning, such as close observation of adult skills by infants, and the use of similar foraging techniques within a population over many generations. Although experimental studies have shown that chimpanzees are able to learn complex behaviors by observation, it is unclear how closely these studies simulate the learning environment found in the wild. In the present study we have used a diffusion chain paradigm, whereby a behavior is passed from one individual to the next in a linear sequence in an attempt to simulate intergenerational transmission of a foraging skill. Using a powerful three-group, two-action methodology, we found that alternative methods used to obtain food from a foraging device (“lift door” versus “slide door”) were accurately transmitted along two chains of six and five chimpanzees, respectively, such that the last chimpanzee in the chain used the same method as the original trained model. The fidelity of transmission within each chain is remarkable given that several individuals in the no-model control group were able to discover either method by individual exploration. A comparative study with human children revealed similar results. This study is the first to experimentally demonstrate the linear transmission of alternative foraging techniques by non-human primates. Our results show that chimpanzees have a capacity to sustain local traditions across multiple simulated generations.
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Hoshaw, B. A., Evans, J. C., Mueller, B., Valentino, R. J., & Lucki, I. (2006). Social competition in rats: Cell proliferation and behavior. Behav. Brain. Res., 175(2), 343–351.
Abstract: Behavioral and physiological changes were studied following prolonged exposure to social competition in pairs of non-food-deprived rats competing daily for a limited supply of graham cracker crumbs. Stable dominant-subordinate relationships developed in most pairs, as measured by feeding time, which were maintained over a 5-6-week study period. In other behavioral tests, subordinates demonstrated a decreased latency to immobility in the forced swim test compared with dominants, but no difference in locomotor activity. Subordinates had increased bladder size, decreased adrenal gland size, and a 35% reduction of hippocampus cell proliferation compared with the dominant member. Therefore, prolonged social competition, based on restricted access to palatable substances, produced hierarchies among individuals that were associated with differences in behavior, physiology and hippocampal cell proliferation.
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Houpt, K. A. (2006). Why horse behaviour is important to the equine clinician. Equine Vet J, 38(5), 386–387.
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Hubbell, J. A. E., & Muir, W. W. (2006). Antagonism of detomidine sedation in the horse using intravenous tolazoline or atipamezole. Equine Vet J, 38(3), 238–241.
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The ability to shorten the duration of sedation would potentially improve safety and utility of detomidine. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of tolazoline and atipamezole after detomidine sedation. HYPOTHESIS: Administration of tolazoline or atipamezole would not affect detomidine sedation. METHODS: In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, descriptive study, detomidine (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to 6 mature horses on 4 separate occasions. Twenty-five mins later, each horse received one of 4 treatments: Group 1 saline (0.9% i.v.) as a placebo control; Group 2 atipamezole (0.05 mg/kg bwt i.v.); Group 3 atipamezole (0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v.); and Group 4 tolazoline (4.0 mg/kg bwt i.v.). Sedation, muscle relaxation and ataxia were scored by 3 independent observers at 9 time points. Horses were led through an obstacle course at 7 time points. Course completion time was recorded and the ability of the horse to traverse the course was scored by 3 independent observers. Horses were videotaped before, during and after each trip through the obstacle course. RESULTS: Atipamezole and tolazoline administration incompletely antagonised the effects of detomidine, but the time course to recovery was shortened. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Single bolus administration of atipamezole or tolazoline produced partial reversal of detomidine sedation and may be useful for minimising detomidine sedation.
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Huber, L., & Gajdon, G. K. (2006). Technical intelligence in animals: the kea model. Anim. Cogn., 9(4), 295–305.
Abstract: The ability to act on information flexibly is one of the cornerstones of intelligent behavior. As particularly informative example, tool-oriented behavior has been investigated to determine to which extent nonhuman animals understand means-end relations, object affordances, and have specific motor skills. Even planning with foresight, goal-directed problem solving and immediate causal inference have been a focus of research. However, these cognitive abilities may not be restricted to tool-using animals but may be found also in animals that show high levels of curiosity, object exploration and manipulation, and extractive foraging behavior. The kea, a New Zealand parrot, is a particularly good example. We here review findings from laboratory experiments and field observations of keas revealing surprising cognitive capacities in the physical domain. In an experiment with captive keas, the success rate of individuals that were allowed to observe a trained conspecific was significantly higher than that of naive control subjects due to their acquisition of some functional understanding of the task through observation. In a further experiment using the string-pulling task, a well-probed test for means-end comprehension, we found the keas finding an immediate solution that could not be improved upon in nine further trials. We interpreted their performance as insightful in the sense of being sensitive of the relevant functional properties of the task and thereby producing a new adaptive response without trial-and-error learning. Together, these findings contribute to the ongoing debate on the distribution of higher cognitive skills in the animal kingdom by showing high levels of sensorimotor intelligence in animals that do not use tools. In conclusion, we suggest that the 'Technical intelligence hypothesis' (Byrne, Machiavellian intelligence II: extensions and evaluations, pp 289-211, 1997), which has been proposed to explain the origin of the ape/monkey grade-shift in intelligence by a selection pressure upon an increased efficiency in foraging behavior, should be extended, that is, applied to some birds as well.
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Huebener, E. (2006). Das Niederlegen, Wälzen und Aufspringen des Pferdes. Tierärztl. Umschau, 7, 347–349.
Abstract: Zusammenfassung
Anhand einer Fotofolge werden die Bewegungsabläufe beim Niederlegen, beim Wälzen und beim Wieder-Aufspringen des Pferdes und der dafür erforderliche Einsatz des Balancierstabs Pferde-Kopf und -Hals erläutert. Gründe fürs Niederlegen und Wälzen und Nutzanwendungen der Kenntnis damit verbundener Bewegungsabläufe werden gestreift.
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Huebener, E. (2006). Wie sich der pferdgerechte “selbsttätige Schenkel” besser vermitteln ließe;. Tierärztl. Umschau, 8, 403–406.
Abstract: Von der Basis bis zum Spitzensport werden Pferde gewaltsam zum “Gehorsam” gebracht oder zur Ausführung von Übungen gezwungen. Aktionen gegen die “Rollkur” oder “Hyperflexion” füllen die Medien. Aber die Wurzel des Übels liegt viel tiefer. Die Grundlage kultivierten Reitens in hoher Harmonie zwischen Mensch und Pferd ist eine feinfühlige, nahezu unsichtbare Hilfengebung, für die Bewegungen des Pferderückens und des Pferderumpfes den Zeitgeber liefern. Das Wissen darum in der Reiterwelt zu verankern, ist noch immer nicht gelungen.
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Huebener, E. (2006). The Rider's Impacts and Their Timers – Example: Rider's Aids for Transitions Between Different Gaits. Tierärztl. Umschau, 10, 515–532.
Abstract: The scientific investigation of the basics of the inherited riding teachings assists in conserving its values. Riding instructors should be able to teach not only “how” but also “why”.
The classic European riding teachings that have developed across the centuries are based on perceptions that have their roots in natural phenomena. They are being mirrored, for instance, in the aids to stimulate the change from one gait to the next.
The movements of the horse's trunk and back provide timers for horse-friendly, sensitive aids that create attentive, diligent and happily cooperating horses.
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Huebener, E. (2006). Einwirkungen des Reiters nach Zeitgeber ? Beispiel: Hilfen für Übergänge von einer Gangart in eine andere;. Tierärztl. Umschau, 10, 515–532.
Abstract: Zusammenfassung
Wissenschaftliches Erfassen von Grundlagen der ererbten Reitlehre hilft, deren Werte zu bewahren. Und Reiten Lehrende dürfen nicht nur das “Wie”, sie sollten auch das “Weshalb” vermitteln können.
Die Grundlagen der in Jahrhunderten entstandenen klassischen europäischen Reitlehre beruhen auf der Natur abgelauschten Erkenntnissen. Sie spiegeln sich u. a. in den Hilfen für Übergänge aus einer Gangart in eine andere.
Die Bewegungen von Pferderumpf und -rücken liefern den Zeitgeber für jene pferdgerechte, feinfühlige Hilfengebung, die aufmerksam, fleißig und freudig mitarbeitende Pferde schafft.
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Huebener, E. (2006). How the Horse-Appropriate “Self-Acting” Leg Aid Could Be Better Communicated. Tierärztl. Umschau, 8, 403.
Abstract: From the base to the top of the sport horses are being coerced into “obedience” or the performance of exercises by force. Campaigns against the “Rollkur” or “Hyperflexion” fill the media. However the root of evil lies a lot deeper. The base of cultured riding in high harmony between horse and rider are sensitive, almost invisible aids which are being timed by the movements of the horse's back and trunk. Anchoring the knowledge of this interrelation in rider's minds has to this day been unsuccessful.
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