1
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La Loggia O, Wilson AJ, Taborsky B. Early social complexity influences social behaviour but not social trajectories in a cooperatively breeding cichlid fish. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230740. [PMID: 38571911 PMCID: PMC10990469 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Social competence-defined as the ability to optimize social behaviour according to available social information-can be influenced by the social environment experienced in early life. In cooperatively breeding vertebrates, the current group size influences behavioural phenotypes, but it is not known whether the group size experienced in early life influences behavioural phenotypes generally or social competence specifically. We tested whether being reared in large versus small groups for the first two months of life affects social behaviours, and associated life-history traits, in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher between the ages of four and twelve months. As we predicted, fish raised in larger and more complex groups showed higher social competence later in life. This was shown in several ways: they exhibited more, and earlier, submissive behaviour in response to aggression from a dominant conspecific, and-in comparison to fish raised in small groups-they exhibited more flexibility in the expression of submissive behaviour. By contrast, there was no evidence that early social complexity, as captured by the group size, affects aggression or exploration behaviour nor did it influence the propensity to disperse or show helping behaviour. Our results emphasize the importance of early-life social complexity for the development of social competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane La Loggia
- Institute for Ecology and Evolution, Behavioural Ecology Division, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alastair J. Wilson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Institute for Ecology and Evolution, Behavioural Ecology Division, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Beukeboom R, Benhaïm D. How to measure exploration: A combined estimation method. Behav Processes 2024; 216:104998. [PMID: 38336237 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.104998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The personality axis 'exploration-avoidance' is often measured using an open field test (OFT) from which measurements such as mobility level (e.g. distance travelled) and space use (e.g. area covered) in an unknown environment are extracted. Recently developed tracking software surprisingly includes only a measure of mobility level in their output summary. Consequently, recent articles using these software programs started to ignore a measure of space use in their determination of exploration. In this short communication, we show briefly why it is important to not overlook a measure of space use, provide an easy way to calculate such a measure, with adjustable resolution, from the available position data provided by the software and a method to determine a proxy for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Beukeboom
- University of Iceland, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar University, Sauðárkrókur, Iceland.
| | - David Benhaïm
- Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar University, Sauðárkrókur, Iceland
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3
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Jungwirth A, Zöttl M, Bonfils D, Josi D, Frommen JG, Taborsky M. Philopatry yields higher fitness than dispersal in a cooperative breeder with sex-specific life history trajectories. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd2146. [PMID: 36867697 PMCID: PMC9984175 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Social evolution is tightly linked to dispersal decisions, but the ecological and social factors selecting for philopatry or dispersal often remain obscure. Elucidating selection mechanisms underlying alternative life histories requires measurement of fitness effects in the wild. We report on a long-term field study of 496 individually marked cooperatively breeding fish, showing that philopatry is beneficial as it increases breeding tenure and lifetime reproductive success in both sexes. Dispersers predominantly join established groups and end up in smaller groups when they ascend to dominance. Life history trajectories are sex specific, with males growing faster, dying earlier, and dispersing more, whereas females more likely inherit a breeding position. Increased male dispersal does not seem to reflect an adaptive preference but rather sex-specific differences in intrasexual competition. Cooperative groups may thus be maintained because of inherent benefits of philopatry, of which females seem to get the greater share in social cichlids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jungwirth
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, A-1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Zöttl
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, EEMiS, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Danielle Bonfils
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Josi
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Eawag Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH-6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, M1 5GD Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Taborsky
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study (Wissenschaftskolleg) Berlin, D-14193 Berlin, Germany
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4
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Ehlman SM, Scherer U, Bierbach D, Francisco FA, Laskowski KL, Krause J, Wolf M. Leveraging big data to uncover the eco-evolutionary factors shaping behavioural development. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222115. [PMID: 36722081 PMCID: PMC9890127 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mapping the eco-evolutionary factors shaping the development of animals' behavioural phenotypes remains a great challenge. Recent advances in 'big behavioural data' research-the high-resolution tracking of individuals and the harnessing of that data with powerful analytical tools-have vastly improved our ability to measure and model developing behavioural phenotypes. Applied to the study of behavioural ontogeny, the unfolding of whole behavioural repertoires can be mapped in unprecedented detail with relative ease. This overcomes long-standing experimental bottlenecks and heralds a surge of studies that more finely define and explore behavioural-experiential trajectories across development. In this review, we first provide a brief guide to state-of-the-art approaches that allow the collection and analysis of high-resolution behavioural data across development. We then outline how such approaches can be used to address key issues regarding the ecological and evolutionary factors shaping behavioural development: developmental feedbacks between behaviour and underlying states, early life effects and behavioural transitions, and information integration across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Ehlman
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany,Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Scherer
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany,Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Bierbach
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany,Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz A. Francisco
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kate L. Laskowski
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California – Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jens Krause
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany,Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Wolf
- SCIoI Excellence Cluster, 10587 Berlin, Germany,Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany
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5
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Ferderer A, Davis AR, Wong MY. Temperature and body size influence personality and behavioural syndromes in an invasive crayfish. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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6
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Harrison LM, Noble DWA, Jennions MD. A meta-analysis of sex differences in animal personality: no evidence for the greater male variability hypothesis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:679-707. [PMID: 34908228 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The notion that men are more variable than women has become embedded into scientific thinking. For mental traits like personality, greater male variability has been partly attributed to biology, underpinned by claims that there is generally greater variation among males than females in non-human animals due to stronger sexual selection on males. However, evidence for greater male variability is limited to morphological traits, and there is little information regarding sex differences in personality-like behaviours for non-human animals. Here, we meta-analysed sex differences in means and variances for over 2100 effects (204 studies) from 220 species (covering five broad taxonomic groups) across five personality traits: boldness, aggression, activity, sociality and exploration. We also tested if sexual size dimorphism, a proxy for sex-specific sexual selection, explains variation in the magnitude of sex differences in personality. We found no significant differences in personality between the sexes. In addition, sexual size dimorphism did not explain variation in the magnitude of the observed sex differences in the mean or variance in personality for any taxonomic group. In sum, we find no evidence for widespread sex differences in variability in non-human animal personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Harrison
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 46 Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Daniel W A Noble
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 46 Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Michael D Jennions
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 46 Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
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7
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Culbert BM, Ligocki IY, Salena MG, Wong MYL, Hamilton IM, Aubin-Horth N, Bernier NJ, Balshine S. Rank- and sex-specific differences in the neuroendocrine regulation of glucocorticoids in a wild group-living fish. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105079. [PMID: 34717080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Individuals that live in groups experience different challenges based on their social rank and sex. Glucocorticoids have a well-established role in coordinating responses to challenges and glucocorticoid levels often vary between ranks and sexes. However, the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating glucocorticoid dynamics in wild groups are poorly understood, making it difficult to determine the functional consequences of differences in glucocorticoid levels. Therefore, we observed wild social groups of a cooperatively breeding fish (Neolamprologus pulcher) and evaluated how scale cortisol content (an emerging method to evaluate cortisol dynamics in fishes) and expression of glucocorticoid-related genes varied across group members. Scale cortisol was detectable in ~50% of dominant males (7/17) and females (7/15)-but not in any subordinates (0/16)-suggesting that glucocorticoid levels were higher in dominants. However, the apparent behavioural and neuroendocrine factors regulating cortisol levels varied between dominant sexes. In dominant females, higher cortisol was associated with greater rates of territory defense and increased expression of corticotropin-releasing factor in the preoptic and hypothalamic regions of the brain, but these patterns were not observed in dominant males. Additionally, transcriptional differences in the liver suggest that dominant sexes may use different mechanisms to cope with elevated cortisol levels. While dominant females appeared to reduce the relative sensitivity of their liver to cortisol (fewer corticosteroid receptor transcripts), dominant males appeared to increase hepatic cortisol breakdown (more catabolic enzyme transcripts). Overall, our results offer valuable insights on the mechanisms regulating rank- and sex-based glucocorticoid dynamics, as well as the potential functional outcomes of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Culbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Isaac Y Ligocki
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, USA
| | - Matthew G Salena
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marian Y L Wong
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian M Hamilton
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nadia Aubin-Horth
- Département de Biologie and Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sigal Balshine
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Novelty at second glance: a critical appraisal of the novel object paradigm based on meta-analysis. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Adaniya CH, Wellman CL, Demas GE, Cusick JA. The ontogeny of personality: Repeatability of social and escape behaviors across developmental stages in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335. [PMID: 34184832 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal personality is defined as behavioral tendencies that are consistent across time and contexts within an individual, but differ across individuals. Studies investigating personality typically examine individuals across short time periods or within a single life stage. Growing evidence suggests that personality may be less stable across life stages, highlighting the need to consider the effects of ontogeny on the expression of consistent behavioral traits. We investigated individual consistency in social and escape behaviors across developmental stages using Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). To determine whether individuals were consistent in these behaviors as juveniles and across developmental stages, we measured male and female social and escape behaviors twice as juveniles and once as adults. Individuals' social scores were significantly repeatable within the juvenile stage, but not across developmental stages. In contrast, escape scores were highly repeatable across developmental stages, with males' scores being more repeatable than females' scores. Our results support previous findings that personality traits, especially those associated with social behavior, are less stable across development, whereas behaviors associated with stress or coping may represent a more permanent feature of an individual's phenotype. Our results also indicate potential sex differences in long-term repeatability of personality. Considering how ontogeny affects animal personality for males and females can provide insight into the evolution and mechanisms that maintain animal personality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cara L Wellman
- Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Cusick
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Animal Behavior Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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10
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Cabrera D, Nilsson JR, Griffen BD. The development of animal personality across ontogeny: a cross-species review. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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11
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Kua ZX, Hamilton IM, McLaughlin AL, Brodnik RM, Keitzer SC, Gilliland J, Hoskins EA, Ludsin SA. Water warming increases aggression in a tropical fish. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20107. [PMID: 33208894 PMCID: PMC7676273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76780-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how projected climatic warming will influence the world's biota remains largely speculative, owing to the many ways in which it can directly and indirectly affect individual phenotypes. Its impact is expected to be especially severe in the tropics, where organisms have evolved in more physically stable conditions relative to temperate ecosystems. Lake Tanganyika (eastern Africa) is one ecosystem experiencing rapid warming, yet our understanding of how its diverse assemblage of endemic species will respond is incomplete. Herein, we conducted a laboratory experiment to assess how anticipated future warming would affect the mirror-elicited aggressive behaviour of Julidochromis ornatus, a common endemic cichlid in Lake Tanganyika. Given linkages that have been established between temperature and individual behaviour in fish and other animals, we hypothesized that water warming would heighten average individual aggression. Our findings support this hypothesis, suggesting the potential for water warming to mediate behavioural phenotypic expression through negative effects associated with individual health (body condition). We ultimately discuss the implications of our findings for efforts aimed at understanding how continued climate warming will affect the ecology of Lake Tanganyika fishes and other tropical ectotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Xun Kua
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
- Department of Sustainable Resources Management, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Ian M Hamilton
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, 318 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Allison L McLaughlin
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, 101 T.H. Morgan Building, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Reed M Brodnik
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 146 Williams St., Solomons, MD, 20688, USA
| | - S Conor Keitzer
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
- Department of Natural Science, Tusculum University, Greenville, TN, 37745, USA
| | - Jake Gilliland
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Hoskins
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Stuart A Ludsin
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH, 43212, USA.
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12
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Vernasco BJ, Moore IT. Testosterone as a mediator of the tradeoff between cooperation and competition in the context of cooperative reproductive behaviors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113369. [PMID: 31857075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral tradeoffs occur when the expression of one behavior detracts from the expression of another. Understanding the proximate mediators of behavioral tradeoffs is important as these tradeoffs can act as potential constraints on evolutionary responses to selection. Here, we describe the tradeoff between cooperation and competition faced by species that exhibit cooperative reproductive behaviors and propose that testosterone is a key hormonal mediator of the tradeoff. Cooperative reproductive behaviors occur when multiple individuals coordinate their efforts to gain a reproductive advantage over other individuals and/or those individuals attempting to reproduce in absence of cooperation. We propose that testosterone, a sex steroid known to mediate a number of physiological and behavioral actions associated with reproductive competition, is involved in mediating the tradeoff between cooperation and competition. To support this proposition, we first describe the importance of individual variation in behavior to the evolution of cooperative behaviors. We then describe how proximate mechanisms represent a prominent source of individual variation in social behaviors and highlight evidence suggesting testosterone mediates variation in cooperative behaviors. Two case studies in which the relationship between testosterone and cooperative behaviors have been investigated in detail are then summarized. Throughout we highlight the importance of studying individual variation to understand the mechanistic basis of behaviors, behavioral tradeoffs, and the evolution of cooperative reproductive behaviors more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Vernasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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13
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Kasper C, Schreier T, Taborsky B. Heritabilities, social environment effects and genetic correlations of social behaviours in a cooperatively breeding vertebrate. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:955-973. [PMID: 31152617 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Social animals interact frequently with conspecifics, and their behaviour is influenced by social context, environmental cues and the behaviours of interaction partners, allowing for adaptive, flexible adjustments to social encounters. This flexibility can be limited by part of the behavioural variation being genetically determined. Furthermore, behaviours can be genetically correlated, potentially constraining independent evolution. Understanding social behaviour thus requires carefully disentangling genetic, environmental, maternal and social sources of variations as well as the correlation structure between behaviours. Here, we assessed heritability, maternal, common environment and social effects of eight social behaviours in Neolamprologus pulcher, a cooperatively breeding cichlid. We bred wild-caught fish in a paternal half-sibling design and scored ability to defend a resource against conspecifics, to integrate into a group and the propensity to help defending the group territory ("helping behaviour"). We assessed genetic, social and phenotypic correlations within clusters of behaviours predicted to be functionally related, namely "competition," "aggression," "aggression-sociability," "integration" and "integration-help." Helping behaviour and two affiliative behaviours were heritable, whereas there was little evidence for a genetic basis in all other traits. Phenotypic social effects explained part of the variation in a sociable and a submissive behaviour, but there were no maternal or common environment effects. Genetic and phenotypic correlation within clusters was mostly positive. A group's social environment influenced covariances of social behaviours. Genetic correlations were similar in magnitude but usually exceeding the phenotypic ones, indicating that conclusions about the evolution of social behaviours in this species could be provisionally drawn from phenotypic data in cases where data for genetic analyses are unobtainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Kasper
- Behavioural Ecology, University of Bern, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Schreier
- Behavioural Ecology, University of Bern, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology, University of Bern, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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14
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15
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Roy T, Bhat A. Population, sex and body size: determinants of behavioural variations and behavioural correlations among wild zebrafish Danio rerio. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:170978. [PMID: 29410809 PMCID: PMC5792886 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study (1) investigated variation among populations and the effects of sex and body size on boldness, activity and shoal-association tendency among wild zebrafish, and (2) tested for existence of correlations between behaviours, controlling for sex and body size. Individuals across four natural populations were tested for general activity in a novel situation, number of predator inspections undertaken and tendency to associate with a conspecific shoal in the presence of predators. Results showed a significant effect of population on boldness with a population from high-predation habitat being bolder than populations from low-predation habitats. Males showed significantly higher tendencies than females to associate with a conspecific shoal in the presence of predators. Further, a negative relationship was found between activity and boldness only within two low-predation populations. Individual body size had a strong effect on the activity-boldness relationship within the low-predation population from flowing water habitat. Smaller fish were bolder and less active while larger fish were more cautious and active. Overall, the results indicated that while population-level behavioural responses might be shaped by predation pressure, state-dependent factors could determine behavioural correlations among individuals within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anuradha Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India
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16
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Huang P, Kimball RT, St. Mary CM. Does the use of a multi-trait, multi-test approach to measure animal personality yield different behavioural syndrome results? BEHAVIOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A multi-trait, multi-test approach to investigate the convergence or discrimination between behavioural tests putatively targeting the same or different animal personality traits has been recommended, yet whether and how the approaches affect the identification of behavioural syndrome(s), the suite of correlated personality traits, requires investigation. Here, we used behavioural measures collected from five commonly used behavioural tests targeting three personality traits, evaluated their convergence/discrimination through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and then explored whether the identification of syndrome changed based on the approach we used to quantify personality traits. Our results indicated that tests presumably targeting the same personality trait actually measured distinct behavioural aspects. Syndrome defined using correlation changed due to how we identified personality traits, but not when using structural equation models (SEMs). Overall, this study emphasizes that it is critical to clarify the approach and terms we use for ‘personality traits’ in the field of animal personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Huang
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Yli-Renko M, Pettay JE, Vesakoski O. Sex and size matters: Selection on personality in natural prey-predator interactions. Behav Processes 2017; 148:20-26. [PMID: 29287627 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Optimal life-history strategies are currently considered to be a major driving force for the maintenance of animal personalities. In this experimental study we tested whether naturally occurring predation causes personality-dependent mortality of a marine isopod (Idotea balthica), which could maintain personality variation in nature. Moreover, as isopods are known to have sex-differences in behaviour, we were interested in whether personality-dependent predation was sex-specific. We also hypothesised that predation pressure among personality types could vary according to habitat type, as it has been shown in correlative studies that habitat may influence personality variation. We used natural predator (European perch Perca fluviatilis) of I. balthica and studied relative mortality of males and females with a different personality types in laboratory settings with two different habitats. We found that survival in males was lower than in females for high active individuals. Moreover, survival under predation was linked to body size differently in females and males. This, however, depended on personality class as larger size was advantageous for low-active males and middle- and high-active females. Conversely, smaller size was advantageous for low-active females and middle-active males. Size did not affect survival in high-active males. Our results suggest that predation can encourage life-history differences between sexes leading to different optimal life-history strategies and also maintains consistent activity for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Yli-Renko
- Department of Biology, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland.
| | - Jenni E Pettay
- Department of Biology, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland
| | - Outi Vesakoski
- Department of Biology, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland; Archipelago Research Institute, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland
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18
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Behaviour and reproductive fitness of postdispersal in plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) on the Tibetan Plateau. MAMMAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-017-0344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Hengartner MP. The Evolutionary Life History Model of Externalizing Personality: Bridging Human and Animal Personality Science to Connect Ultimate and Proximate Mechanisms Underlying Aggressive Dominance, Hostility, and Impulsive Sensation Seeking. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1037/gpr0000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The present work proposes an evolutionary model of externalizing personality that defines variation in this broad psychobiological phenotype resulting from genetic influences and a conditional adaptation to high-risk environments with high extrinsic morbidity-mortality. Due to shared selection pressure, externalizing personality is coadapted to fast life history strategies and maximizes inclusive fitness under adverse environmental conditions by governing the major trade-offs between reproductive versus somatic functions, current versus future reproduction, and mating versus parenting efforts. According to this model, externalizing personality is a regulatory device at the interface between the individual and its environment that is mediated by 2 overlapping psychobiological systems, that is, the attachment and the stress-response system. The attachment system coordinates interpersonal behavior and intimacy in close relationships and the stress-response system regulates the responsivity to environmental challenge and both physiological and behavioral reactions to stress. These proximate mechanisms allow for the integration of neuroendocrinological processes underlying interindividual differences in externalizing personality. Hereinafter I further discuss the model's major implications for personality psychology, psychiatry, and public health policy.
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Fischer S, Oberhummer E, Cunha-Saraiva F, Gerber N, Taborsky B. Smell or vision? The use of different sensory modalities in predator discrimination. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017; 71:143. [PMID: 28989227 PMCID: PMC5607904 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Theory predicts that animals should adjust their escape responses to the perceived predation risk. The information animals obtain about potential predation risk may differ qualitatively depending on the sensory modality by which a cue is perceived. For instance, olfactory cues may reveal better information about the presence or absence of threats, whereas visual information can reliably transmit the position and potential attack distance of a predator. While this suggests a differential use of information perceived through the two sensory channels, the relative importance of visual vs. olfactory cues when distinguishing between different predation threats is still poorly understood. Therefore, we exposed individuals of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher to a standardized threat stimulus combined with either predator or non-predator cues presented either visually or chemically. We predicted that flight responses towards a threat stimulus are more pronounced if cues of dangerous rather than harmless heterospecifics are presented and that N. pulcher, being an aquatic species, relies more on olfaction when discriminating between dangerous and harmless heterospecifics. N. pulcher responded faster to the threat stimulus, reached a refuge faster and entered a refuge more likely when predator cues were perceived. Unexpectedly, the sensory modality used to perceive the cues did not affect the escape response or the duration of the recovery phase. This suggests that N. pulcher are able to discriminate heterospecific cues with similar acuity when using vision or olfaction. We discuss that this ability may be advantageous in aquatic environments where the visibility conditions strongly vary over time. Significance statement The ability to rapidly discriminate between dangerous predators and harmless heterospecifics is crucial for the survival of prey animals. In seasonally fluctuating environment, sensory conditions may change over the year and may make the use of multiple sensory modalities for heterospecific discrimination highly beneficial. Here we compared the efficacy of visual and olfactory senses in the discrimination ability of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. We presented individual fish with visual or olfactory cues of predators or harmless heterospecifics and recorded their flight response. When exposed to predator cues, individuals responded faster, reached a refuge faster and were more likely to enter the refuge. Unexpectedly, the olfactory and visual senses seemed to be equally efficient in this discrimination task, suggesting that seasonal variation of water conditions experienced by N. pulcher may necessitate the use of multiple sensory channels for the same task. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00265-017-2371-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fischer
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Evelyne Oberhummer
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Filipa Cunha-Saraiva
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Konrad-Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinarian Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Gerber
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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Balzarini V, Taborsky M, Villa F, Frommen JG. Computer animations of color markings reveal the function of visual threat signals in Neolamprologus pulcher. Curr Zool 2017; 63:45-54. [PMID: 29491962 PMCID: PMC5804153 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual signals, including changes in coloration and color patterns, are frequently used by animals to convey information. During contests, body coloration and its changes can be used to assess an opponent's state or motivation. Communication of aggressive propensity is particularly important in group-living animals with a stable dominance hierarchy, as the outcome of aggressive interactions determines the social rank of group members. Neolamprologus pulcher is a cooperatively breeding cichlid showing frequent within-group aggression. Both sexes exhibit two vertical black stripes on the operculum that vary naturally in shape and darkness. During frontal threat displays these patterns are actively exposed to the opponent, suggesting a signaling function. To investigate the role of operculum stripes during contests we manipulated their darkness in computer animated pictures of the fish. We recorded the responses in behavior and stripe darkness of test subjects to which these animated pictures were presented. Individuals with initially darker stripes were more aggressive against the animations and showed more operculum threat displays. Operculum stripes of test subjects became darker after exposure to an animation exhibiting a pale operculum than after exposure to a dark operculum animation, highlighting the role of the darkness of this color pattern in opponent assessment. We conclude that (i) the black stripes on the operculum of N. pulcher are a reliable signal of aggression and dominance, (ii) these markings play an important role in opponent assessment, and (iii) 2D computer animations are well suited to elicit biologically meaningful short-term aggressive responses in this widely used model system of social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balzarini
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Taborsky
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Villa
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Behavioral Ecology Division, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
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22
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van Asten T, Hall ML, Mulder RA. Who cares? Effect of coping style and social context on brood care and defense in superb fairy-wrens. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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23
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Hess S, Fischer S, Taborsky B. Territorial aggression reduces vigilance but increases aggression towards predators in a cooperatively breeding fish. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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Class B, Brommer JE. A strong genetic correlation underlying a behavioural syndrome disappears during development because of genotype-age interactions. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20142777. [PMID: 26041348 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal populations, as in humans, behavioural differences between individuals that are consistent over time and across contexts are considered to reflect personality, and suites of correlated behaviours expressed by individuals are known as behavioural syndromes. Lifelong stability of behavioural syndromes is often assumed, either implicitly or explicitly. Here, we use a quantitative genetic approach to study the developmental stability of a behavioural syndrome in a wild population of blue tits. We find that a behavioural syndrome formed by a strong genetic correlation of two personality traits in nestlings disappears in adults, and we demonstrate that genotype-age interaction is the likely mechanism underlying this change during development. A behavioural syndrome may hence change during organismal development, even when personality traits seem to be strongly physiologically or functionally linked in one age group. We outline how such developmental plasticity has important ramifications for understanding the mechanistic basis as well as the evolutionary consequences of behavioural syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Class
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, University Hill, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Jon E Brommer
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, University Hill, Turku 20014, Finland
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25
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Velasque M, Briffa M. The opposite effects of routine metabolic rate and metabolic rate during startle responses on variation in the predictability of behaviour in hermit crabs. BEHAVIOUR 2016. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies on animal behaviour have suggested a link between personality and energy expenditure. However, most models assume constant variation within individuals, even though individuals vary between observations. Such variation is called intraindividual variation in behaviour (IIV). We investigate if IIV in the duration of the startle response is associated with metabolic rates (MR) in the hermit crabPagurus bernhardus. We repeatedly measured startle response durations and MR during each observation. We used double hierarchical generalized linear models to ask whether among and IIV in behaviour was underpinned by MR. We found no association between the mean duration of the startle responses and either routine MR or MR during startle response. Nevertheless, we found that IIV increased with MR during startle responses and decreased with routine MR. These results indicate that crabs with higher MR during startle responses behave less predictably, and that predictability is reduced during exposure to elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Velasque
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, 6th Floor, Davy Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Mark Briffa
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, 6th Floor, Davy Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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26
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Favati A, Zidar J, Thorpe H, Jensen P, Løvlie H. The ontogeny of personality traits in the red junglefowl,Gallus gallus. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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27
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Pleizier N, Wilson ADM, Shultz AD, Cooke SJ. Puffed and bothered: Personality, performance, and the effects of stress on checkered pufferfish. Physiol Behav 2015; 152:68-78. [PMID: 26375573 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although consistent individual-level differences in behaviour are widespread and potentially important in evolutionary and ecological processes, relatively few studies focus on the physiological mechanisms that might underlie and regulate these individual-level differences in wild populations. We conducted experiments to determine whether checkered pufferfish (Sphoeroides testudineus), which were collected from a dynamic (in terms of depth and water temperature) tidal mangrove creek environment in The Bahamas, have consistent individual-level differences in locomotor activity and the response to a simulated predator threat, as well as swimming performance and puffing in response to stressors. The relationships between personality and performance traits were evaluated to determine whether they represented stress-coping styles or syndromes. Subsequently, a displacement study was conducted to determine how personality and performance in the laboratory compared to movements in the field. In addition, we tested whether a physiological dose of the stress hormone cortisol would alter individual consistency in behavioural and performance traits. We found that pufferfish exhibited consistent individual differences in personality traits over time (e.g., activity and the duration of a response to a threat) and that performance was consistent between the lab and the natural enclosure. Locomotor activity and the duration of startled behaviour were not associated with swimming and puffing performance. Locomotor activity, puffing performance, and swimming performance were not related to whether fish returned to the tidal creek of capture after displacement. Similarly, a cortisol treatment did not modify behaviour or performance in the laboratory. The results reveal that consistent individual-level differences in behaviour and performance were present in a population from a fluctuating and physiologically challenging environment but that such traits are not necessarily correlated. We also determined that certain individual performance traits were repeatable between the lab and a natural enclosure. However, we found no evidence of a relationship between exogenous cortisol levels and behavioural traits or performance in these fish, which suggests that other internal and external mechanisms may underlie the behaviours and performance tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Pleizier
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Alexander D M Wilson
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada; Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216 Australia
| | - Aaron D Shultz
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cape Eleuthera Institute, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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28
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Sanderson JL, Stott I, Young AJ, Vitikainen EI, Hodge SJ, Cant MA. The origins of consistent individual differences in cooperation in wild banded mongooses, Mungos mungo. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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29
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Brommer JE, Class B. The importance of genotype-by-age interactions for the development of repeatable behavior and correlated behaviors over lifetime. Front Zool 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S2. [PMID: 26816518 PMCID: PMC4722339 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-12-s1-s2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Behaviors are highly plastic and one aspect of this plasticity is behavioral changes over age. The presence of age-related plasticity in behavior opens up the possibility of between-individual variation in age-related plasticity (Individual-Age interaction, IxA) and genotype-age interaction (GxA). We outline the available approaches for quantifying GxA. We underline that knowledge of GxA for behaviors is an important step in reaching and understanding of the evolution of plasticity in behavior over lifetime. In particular, the heritability (repeatability) and/or the rank order of behavior across individuals are predicted to change across ages in presence of GxA. We draw on the theory of reaction norms to illustrate that GxA, when present, is likely to lead to developmental changes in the magnitude and possibly sign of the genetic correlation between behaviors (behavioral syndrome). We present an overview of the literature on changes in the ranking of individuals’ behavior across ages, and in the correlation between behaviors. Although all studies were carried out on the phenotypic level, they overall suggest clear scope for increased study of GxA as a process explaining age-related plasticity in behaviors. Lastly, we throughout emphasize that many of the approaches and underlying theory of GxA is applicable to the study of IxA, which is informative as it presents the upper limit of GxA, but is also a more attainable target of study in many systems. Empirical work aimed at understanding IxA and GxA in behavior is needed in order to understand whether patterns predicted by theory on plasticity indeed occur for age-related plasticity of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Brommer
- Department of Biology, University Hill, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Barbara Class
- Department of Biology, University Hill, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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30
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31
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Baumgarten L, Machado-Schiaffino G, Henning F, Meyer A. What big lips are good for: on the adaptive function of repeatedly evolved hypertrophied lips of cichlid fishes. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Baumgarten
- Department of Biology; University of Konstanz; Universitaetsstrasse 10 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | | | - Frederico Henning
- Department of Biology; University of Konstanz; Universitaetsstrasse 10 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Axel Meyer
- Department of Biology; University of Konstanz; Universitaetsstrasse 10 78457 Konstanz Germany
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32
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Schuett W, Dall SRX, Kloesener MH, Baeumer J, Beinlich F, Eggers T. Life-history trade-offs mediate ‘personality’ variation in two colour morphs of the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum. J Anim Ecol 2014; 84:90-101. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Schuett
- Experimental Ecology Group; Department for Biology and Chemistry; University of Osnabrueck; Barbarastrasse 11 Osnabrueck 49069 Germany
- Zoological Institute and Museum; University of Hamburg; Martin-Luther-King Platz 3 Hamburg 20146 Germany
| | - Sasha R. X. Dall
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Cornwall Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9EZ UK
| | - Michaela H. Kloesener
- Experimental Ecology Group; Department for Biology and Chemistry; University of Osnabrueck; Barbarastrasse 11 Osnabrueck 49069 Germany
| | - Jana Baeumer
- Experimental Ecology Group; Department for Biology and Chemistry; University of Osnabrueck; Barbarastrasse 11 Osnabrueck 49069 Germany
| | - Felix Beinlich
- Experimental Ecology Group; Department for Biology and Chemistry; University of Osnabrueck; Barbarastrasse 11 Osnabrueck 49069 Germany
| | - Till Eggers
- Experimental Ecology Group; Department for Biology and Chemistry; University of Osnabrueck; Barbarastrasse 11 Osnabrueck 49069 Germany
- Agricultural Products Global Research; Data Management and Biometrics; BASF The Chemical Company; Carl Bosch Str. Limburgerhof 67117 Germany
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Carter AJ, English S, Clutton-Brock TH. Cooperative personalities and social niche specialization in female meerkats. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:815-25. [PMID: 24666630 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The social niche specialization hypothesis predicts that group-living animals should specialize in particular social roles to avoid social conflict, resulting in alternative life-history strategies for different roles. Social niche specialization, coupled with role-specific life-history trade-offs, should thus generate between-individual differences in behaviour that persist through time, or distinct personalities, as individuals specialize in particular nonoverlapping social roles. We tested for support for the social niche specialization hypothesis in cooperative personality traits in wild female meerkats (Suricata suricatta) that compete for access to dominant social roles. As cooperation is costly and dominance is acquired by heavier females, we predicted that females that ultimately acquired dominant roles would show noncooperative personality types early in life and before and after role acquisition. Although we found large individual differences in repeatable cooperative behaviours, there was no indication that individuals that ultimately acquired dominance differed from unsuccessful individuals in their cooperative behaviour. Early-life behaviour did not predict social role acquisition later in life, nor was cooperative behaviour before and after role acquisition correlated in the same individuals. We suggest that female meerkats do not show social niche specialization resulting in cooperative personalities, but that they exhibit an adaptive response in personality at role acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Carter
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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34
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Mirror, mirror on the wall: the predictive value of mirror tests for measuring aggression in fish. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1698-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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35
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Massen JJM, Antonides A, Arnold AMK, Bionda T, Koski SE. A behavioral view on chimpanzee personality: exploration tendency, persistence, boldness, and tool-orientation measured with group experiments. Am J Primatol 2013; 75:947-58. [PMID: 23649750 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human and nonhuman animals show personality: temporal and contextual consistency in behavior patterns that vary among individuals. In contrast to most other species, personality of chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, has mainly been studied with non-behavioral methods. We examined boldness, exploration tendency, persistence and tool-orientation in 29 captive chimpanzees using repeated experiments conducted in an ecologically valid social setting. High temporal repeatability and contextual consistency in all these traits indicated they reflected personality. In addition, Principal Component Analysis revealed two independent syndromes, labeled exploration-persistence and boldness. We found no sex or rank differences in the trait scores, but the scores declined with age. Nonetheless, there was considerable inter-individual variation within age-classes, suggesting that behavior was not merely determined by age but also by dispositional effects. In conclusion, our study complements earlier rating studies and adds new traits to the chimpanzee personality, thereby supporting the existence of multiple personality traits among chimpanzees. We stress the importance of ecologically valid behavioral research to assess multiple personality traits and their association, as it allows inclusion of ape studies in the comparison of personality structures across species studied behaviorally, and furthers our attempts to unravel the causes and consequences of animal personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorg J M Massen
- Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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36
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Montiglio PO, Ferrari C, Réale D. Social niche specialization under constraints: personality, social interactions and environmental heterogeneity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120343. [PMID: 23569291 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several personality traits are mainly expressed in a social context, and others, which are not restricted to a social context, can be affected by the social interactions with conspecifics. In this paper, we focus on the recently proposed hypothesis that social niche specialization (i.e. individuals in a population occupy different social roles) can explain the maintenance of individual differences in personality. We first present ecological and social niche specialization hypotheses. In particular, we show how niche specialization can be quantified and highlight the link between personality differences and social niche specialization. We then review some ecological factors (e.g. competition and environmental heterogeneity) and the social mechanisms (e.g. frequency-dependent, state-dependent and social awareness) that may be associated with the evolution of social niche specialization and personality differences. Finally, we present a conceptual model and methods to quantify the contribution of ecological factors and social mechanisms to the dynamics between personality and social roles. In doing so, we suggest a series of research objectives to help empirical advances in this research area. Throughout this paper, we highlight empirical studies of social niche specialization in mammals, where available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Olivier Montiglio
- Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
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37
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Blumstein DT, Petelle MB, Wey TW. Defensive and social aggression: repeatable but independent. Behav Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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38
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Riebli T, Taborsky M, Chervet N, Apolloni N, Zürcher Y, Heg D. Behavioural type, status and social context affect behaviour and resource allocation in cooperatively breeding cichlids. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bell A. Randomized or fixed order for studies of behavioral syndromes? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 24:16-20. [PMID: 27307687 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest among behavioral ecologists in behavioral syndromes and animal personality. Studies of behavioral syndromes repeatedly measure the same individuals to quantify within-individual consistency and between-individual variation in behavior. Often these studies measure behavior in different contexts or in different behavioral assays to determine whether individual differences in behavior in one context are related to behavior in other contexts, that is, a behavioral syndrome. For studies of behavioral syndromes, there is not universal agreement about whether it is preferable to randomize the order of different assays or to administer them in a fixed order. Here, I articulate the advantages and disadvantages of testing in a randomized or fixed order and offer some recommendations according to the goals and power of the experiment. In general, studies using within-subjects designs that are primarily interested in mean-level differences between treatments should randomize the order that individuals experience different treatments. Under certain conditions, studies of behavioral syndromes should also administer the assays in a randomized order, but only if the study is sufficiently powerful to statistically account for carryover and period effects. If the experimenter is interested in behavioral syndromes that are caused by carryovers, it is often preferable to test in a fixed order. If the experimenter wants to guard against carryovers, but the experiment is not sufficiently powerful to account for carryover and period effects, then a compromise is to test in a fixed order, but to test individuals in the context that is most likely to affect subsequent behavior last.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Bell
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , 505 S. Goodwin Ave. , Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Hamilton IM, Ligocki IY. The extended personality: indirect effects of behavioural syndromes on the behaviour of others in a group-living cichlid. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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41
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Garamszegi LZ, Markó G, Herczeg G. A meta-analysis of correlated behaviours with implications for behavioural syndromes: mean effect size, publication bias, phylogenetic effects and the role of mediator variables. Evol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-012-9589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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42
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von Merten S, Siemers BM. Exploratory behaviour in shrews: fast-lived Sorex versus slow-lived Crocidura. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lopez DP, Jungman AA, Rehage JS. Nonnative African jewelfish are more fit but not bolder at the invasion front: a trait comparison across an Everglades range expansion. Biol Invasions 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-012-0221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Associative memory or algorithmic search: a comparative study on learning strategies of bats and shrews. Anim Cogn 2012; 15:495-504. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Nyqvist MJ, Gozlan RE, Cucherousset J, Britton JR. Behavioural syndrome in a solitary predator is independent of body size and growth rate. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31619. [PMID: 22363687 PMCID: PMC3282768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Models explaining behavioural syndromes often focus on state-dependency, linking behavioural variation to individual differences in other phenotypic features. Empirical studies are, however, rare. Here, we tested for a size and growth-dependent stable behavioural syndrome in the juvenile-stages of a solitary apex predator (pike, Esox lucius), shown as repeatable foraging behaviour across risk. Pike swimming activity, latency to prey attack, number of successful and unsuccessful prey attacks was measured during the presence/absence of visual contact with a competitor or predator. Foraging behaviour across risks was considered an appropriate indicator of boldness in this solitary predator where a trade-off between foraging behaviour and threat avoidance has been reported. Support was found for a behavioural syndrome, where the rank order differences in the foraging behaviour between individuals were maintained across time and risk situation. However, individual behaviour was independent of body size and growth in conditions of high food availability, showing no evidence to support the state-dependent personality hypothesis. The importance of a combination of spatial and temporal environmental variation for generating growth differences is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina J Nyqvist
- Centre for Conservation Ecology & Environmental Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom.
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Patrick SC, Chapman JR, Dugdale HL, Quinn JL, Sheldon BC. Promiscuity, paternity and personality in the great tit. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 279:1724-30. [PMID: 22130602 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding causes of variation in promiscuity within populations remain a major challenge. While most studies have focused on quantifying fitness costs and benefits of promiscuous behaviour, an alternative possibility--that variation in promiscuity within populations is maintained because of linkage with other traits-has received little attention. Here, we examine whether promiscuity in male and female great tits (Parus major)--quantified as extra-pair paternity (EPP) within and between nests--is associated with variation in a well-documented personality trait: exploration behaviour in a novel environment. Exploration behaviour has been shown to correlate with activity levels, risk-taking and boldness, and these are behaviours that may plausibly influence EPP. Exploration behaviour correlated positively with paternity gained outside the social pair among males in our population, but there was also a negative correlation with paternity in the social nest. Hence, while variation in male personality predicted the relative importance of paternity gain within and outside the pair bond, total paternity gained was unrelated to exploration behaviour. We found evidence that males paired with bold females were more likely to sire extra-pair young. Our data thus demonstrate a link between personality and promiscuity, with no net effects on reproductive success, suggesting personality-dependent mating tactics, in contrast with traditional adaptive explanations for promiscuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C Patrick
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
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Bruintjes R, Bonfils D, Heg D, Taborsky M. Paternity of subordinates raises cooperative effort in cichlids. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25673. [PMID: 22022428 PMCID: PMC3192049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cooperative breeders, subordinates generally help a dominant breeding pair to raise offspring. Parentage studies have shown that in several species subordinates can participate in reproduction. This suggests an important role of direct fitness benefits for cooperation, particularly where groups contain unrelated subordinates. In this situation parentage should influence levels of cooperation. Here we combine parentage analyses and detailed behavioural observations in the field to study whether in the highly social cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher subordinates participate in reproduction and if so, whether and how this affects their cooperative care, controlling for the effect of kinship. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that: (i) male subordinates gained paternity in 27.8% of all clutches and (ii) if they participated in reproduction, they sired on average 11.8% of young. Subordinate males sharing in reproduction showed more defence against experimentally presented egg predators compared to subordinates not participating in reproduction, and they tended to stay closer to the breeding shelter. No effects of relatedness between subordinates and dominants (to mid-parent, dominant female or dominant male) were detected on parentage and on helping behaviour. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first evidence in a cooperatively breeding fish species that the helping effort of male subordinates may depend on obtained paternity, which stresses the need to consider direct fitness benefits in evolutionary studies of helping behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Bruintjes
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
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Le Vin A, Mable B, Taborsky M, Heg D, Arnold K. Individual variation in helping in a cooperative breeder: relatedness versus behavioural type. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sefc KM. Mating and Parental Care in Lake Tanganyika's Cichlids. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2011; 2011:470875. [PMID: 21822482 PMCID: PMC3142683 DOI: 10.4061/2011/470875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cichlid fishes of Lake Tanganyika display a variety of mating and parental care behaviors, including polygamous and monogamous mouthbrooding and substrate breeding, cooperative breeding, as well as various alternative reproductive tactics such as sneaking and piracy. Moreover, reproductive behaviors sometimes vary within species both in space and in time. Here, I survey reports on mating and parenting behaviors of Lake Tanganyika cichlid species and address the evolution of mating and parental care patterns and sexual dimorphism. Notes on measures of sexual selection intensity and the difficulties of defining mating systems and estimating selection intensities at species level conclude the essay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M. Sefc
- Department of Zoology, Karl-Franzens University Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
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