Evidence for a behavioural syndrome and negative social assortment by exploratory personality in the communally nesting rodent, Octodon degus

Behaviour ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 154 (5) ◽  
pp. 541-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Y. Chock ◽  
Tina W. Wey ◽  
Luis A. Ebensperger ◽  
Loren D. Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Behavioural Syndrome ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Association Strength ◽  
Dyadic Interactions ◽  
Communally Nesting ◽  
Social Associations ◽  
Social Assortment

Recent research in behavioural ecology has revealed the structure of animal personality and connections to ecologically and evolutionarily important traits. Personality is hypothesized to influence social interactions through individual behavioural differences or personality-based dyadic interactions. We describe the structure of personality traits and ask if two traits, boldness and exploration, play a role in the strength or pattern of social associations in a wild population of degus, a rodent that often lives communally with unrelated conspecifics. Boldness was repeatable in both adults and juveniles, but exploration was only repeatable in adults. We found evidence for a behavioural syndrome between exploration and boldness in adult degus. We documented negative assortment by exploratory personality type; more exploratory animals shared burrows with less exploratory animals. However, tendency towards boldness and exploration were not predictive of association strength. Our results highlight a potential connection between personality and social structure in a communally nesting species.

Ambiguous terminology in animal personality research: a self-report questionnaire and a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Sánchez-Tójar ◽  
Maria Moiron ◽  
Petri Toivo Niemelä
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Biological Organization ◽  
Personality Research ◽  
Conceptual Definition ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Key Questions

Whether animal personality studies provide insights of broader evolutionary and ecological relevance to behavioural ecology is frequently questioned. One source of controversy is the vast, but often vague conceptual terminology used. From a statistical perspective, animal personality is defined as repeatable among-individual variance in behaviour; however, numerous conceptual definitions of animal personality exist. Here, we performed a 1) self-report questionnaire and 2) systematic literature review to quantify how researchers interpret conceptual and statistical definitions commonly used in animal personality research. We also investigated whether results from the questionnaire agree with those of the literature review. Among the 430 self-reported researchers that participated in our questionnaire, we observed discrepancies in key questions such as the conceptual definition of animal personality or the interpretation of repeatability. Our literature review generally confirmed the global patterns revealed by the questionnaire. Overall, we identified common disagreements in animal personality research and discussed potential solutions. We advocate for the usage of statistically-oriented terminology because conceptual definitions can seemingly be interpreted at multiple levels of biological organization. We expect that adopting such statistically-oriented terminology will, at least partly, avoid the confusion generated by the label “animal personality”, and ultimately help to clarify and move the field forward.

scholarly journals Proximity-based vocal networks reveal social relationships in the Southern white rhinoceros

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Jenikejew ◽  
Brenda Chaignon ◽  
Sabrina Linn ◽  
Marina Scheumann
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Group Living ◽  
White Rhinoceros ◽  
Southern White Rhinoceros ◽  
Social Associations ◽  
High Level

Abstract Vocal communication networks can be linked to social behaviour, allowing a deeper understanding of social relationships among individuals. For this purpose, the description of vocal dyads is fundamental. In group-living species, this identification is based on behavioural indicators which require a high level of reactivity during social interactions. In the present study, we alternatively established a proximity-based approach to investigate whether sex-specific differences in vocal communication reflect social behaviour in a species with rather loose social associations and low levels of reactivity: the Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). We performed audio- and video recordings of 30 captive animals from seven groups. Vocal networks for the four most common call types were constructed by considering conspecifics at close distance (≤ 1 body length) to the sender as potential receivers. The analysis of the resulting unidirectional structures showed that not only the sex of the sender but also the sex of the potential receiver, the quality of social interactions (affiliative or agonistic) as well as association strength predict the intensity of vocal interactions between group members. Thus, a proximity-based approach can be used to construct vocal networks providing information about the social relationships of conspecifics—even in species with loose social associations where behavioural indicators are limited.

scholarly journals Evolutionary causes and consequences of consistent individual variation in cooperative behaviour

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1553) ◽  
pp. 2751-2764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Bergmüller ◽  
Roger Schürch ◽  
Ian M. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Evolutionary Stability ◽  
Behavioural Syndrome ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Cooperative Behaviour ◽  
Heritable Variation ◽  
Fitness Consequences

Behaviour is typically regarded as among the most flexible of animal phenotypic traits. In particular, expression of cooperative behaviour is often assumed to be conditional upon the behaviours of others. This flexibility is a key component of many hypothesized mechanisms favouring the evolution of cooperative behaviour. However, evidence shows that cooperative behaviours are often less flexible than expected and that, in many species, individuals show consistent differences in the amount and type of cooperative and non-cooperative behaviours displayed. This phenomenon is known as ‘animal personality’ or a ‘behavioural syndrome’. Animal personality is evolutionarily relevant, as it typically shows heritable variation and can entail fitness consequences, and hence, is subject to evolutionary change. Here, we review the empirical evidence for individual variation in cooperative behaviour across taxa, we examine the evolutionary processes that have been invoked to explain the existence of individual variation in cooperative behaviour and we discuss the consequences of consistent individual differences on the evolutionary stability of cooperation. We highlight that consistent individual variation in cooperativeness can both stabilize or disrupt cooperation in populations. We conclude that recognizing the existence of consistent individual differences in cooperativeness is essential for an understanding of the evolution and prevalence of cooperation.

Carotenoid-based signals in behavioural ecology: a review

Behaviour ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 148 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antioxidant Systems ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Evolutionary Time ◽  
Carotenoid Metabolism ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Many ◽  
Carotenoid Pigmentation

AbstractCarotenoids are among the most prevalent pigments used in animal signals and are also important for a range of physiological functions. These concomitant roles have made carotenoidbased signals a popular topic in behavioural ecology while also causing confusion and controversy. After a thorough background, we review the many pitfalls, caveats and seemingly contradictory conclusions that can result from not fully appreciating the complex nature of carotenoid function. Current controversies may be resolved through a more careful regard of this complexity, and of the immense taxonomic variability of carotenoid metabolism. Studies investigating the physiological trade-offs between ornamental and physiological uses of carotenoids have yielded inconsistent results. However, in many studies, homeostatic regulation of immune and antioxidant systems may have obscured the effects of carotenoid supplementation. We highlight how carefully designed experiments can overcome such complications. There is also a need to investigate factors other than physiological trade-offs (such as predation risk and social interactions) as these, too, may shape the expression of carotenoidbased signals. Moreover, the processes limiting signal expression individuals are likely different from those operating over evolutionary time-scales. Future research should give greater attention to carotenoid pigmentation outside the area of sexual selection, and to taxa other than fishes and birds.

Observations on the behaviour of the smoky mouse Pseudomys fumeus (Rodentia: Muridae).

2000 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
RE Woods ◽  
FD Ford
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
New South ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
South Wales ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild

This study examined aspects of behaviour in a captive colony of smoky mice, Pseudomys fumeus, over a two year period. Wherever possible behaviours observed in the captive population are compared to data collected in a study of a wild population in south-eastern New South Wales. This paper provides the first recorded observations of behavior in this species. Both captive and wild populations of P. fumeus display strictly nocturnal circadian activity rhythms. In the captive study, P. fumeus were found to exhibit social interactions similar to some previously studied Pseudomys species. However, in the wild, the species was found to communally nest during the breeding season, behaviour not observed in other Pseudomys from similar habitats. P. fumeus in captivity can have more than two litters in one breeding season which suggests that their reproductive parameters are more flexible than previous studies of wild populations have shown. Field data indicate that post-partum oestrus can occur in this species, and that gestation lasts for approximately 30 days, although these observations are based on a small sample.

scholarly journals On the Problem of Social Determination of Tool Behavior of Higher Animals: Structure and Features of "Social Contexts”

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
E.Y. Fedorovich ◽  
E.E. Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Population Research ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Skilled Group

The article provides a review and critical analysis of recent primate wild population research revealing the significance of social interactions ("social contexts") for the development and maintenance of tool behavior in animals from the perspective of the Vygotsky — Leontiev school. As social contexts, we consider the role of "skilled" group members, primarily maternal individuals, as well as artifacts of animal tool activity. We argue that these new data don’t contradict the main statements of cultural and activity psychology regarding the fundamental differences between the psychological mechanisms underlying the process of social determination of animal and humans tool activity: namely, "skilled" animals, unlike humans, do not teach or encourage intentionally the attempts of naive individuals to develop tool actions, nor form their specific ways of handling tools; young primates do not seek help and support in acquiring and performing these actions. In addition, artifacts are perceived by animals primarily as preferred objects that have certain physical characteristics, for example, for extracting food, in contrast to human children, who adopt socially accepted techniques for handling them.

scholarly journals Observations on the behaviour of the northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) in a translocated population

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Kristina Sand Jørgensen ◽  
Alistair Melzer ◽  
Dave Harper ◽  
Owen T. Nevin
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
National Park ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Natural Distribution ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Wildlife Cameras

The natural distribution of the critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is confined to Epping Forest National Park, Queensland; however, a small number of animals have been translocated to establish an insurance population at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge (RUNR), Queensland. Northern hairy-nosed wombat behaviour is poorly understood, mostly due to its cryptic behaviour. Thirty-two wildlife cameras set up at burrow mouths at RUNR were used to capture social and solitary behaviour. Over a six month period between December 2016 and May 2017, 0.3% (21 videos of 6607) of recordings captured social behaviour, suggesting that the northern hairy-nosed wombat actively avoids social interactions at the burrow mouth. Vocalisation was only observed during social interaction. The results were similar to data from Epping Forest National Park and studies on other wombat species. In this respect the translocated population appeared to behave in a manner typical of the wild population.

scholarly journals Evolutionary and ecological approaches to the study of personality

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1560) ◽  
pp. 3937-3946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Réale ◽  
Niels J. Dingemanse ◽  
Anahita J. N. Kazem ◽  
Jonathan Wright
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Biology ◽  
Quantitative Genetics ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Animal Personalities ◽  
Cross Fertilization ◽  
Scientific Fields

This introduction to the themed issue on Evolutionary and ecological approaches to the study of personality provides an overview of conceptual, theoretical and methodological progress in research on animal personalities over the last decade, and places the contributions to this volume in context. The issue has three main goals. First, we aimed to bring together theoreticians to contribute to the development of models providing adaptive explanations for animal personality that could guide empiricists, and stimulate exchange of ideas between the two groups of researchers. Second, we aimed to stimulate cross-fertilization between different scientific fields that study personality, namely behavioural ecology, psychology, genomics, quantitative genetics, neuroendocrinology and developmental biology. Third, we aimed to foster the application of an evolutionary framework to the study of personality.

“Early birds” take it easy: diurnal timing is correlated with overall level in activity of zebrafish larvae

Behaviour ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 153 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 1745-1762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bawan Amin ◽  
Hans Slabbekoorn ◽  
Marcel Schaaf ◽  
Christian Tudorache
Keyword(s):  
Animal Personality ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Behavioural Syndrome ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Zebrafish Larvae ◽  
External Cues ◽  
Individual Consistency ◽  
Over Time

Individual animals show consistent differences in behavioural responses when coping with environmental challenges. Consistency over time and across context in a behavioural trait is an indication for animal personality. Chronotypes refer to consistent inter-individual differences in diurnal rhythmicity driven by underlying variation in circadian clock processes. Personality traits and chronotype may relate to a single behavioural syndrome, but few studies have investigated such a link explicitly. Here, we explored zebrafish larvae for the presence of consistency in activity levels and timing, and their correlation with and without external cues (Zeitgeber: light–dark cycle versus constant light). We found individual consistency in activity level and timing, and their correlation independent of the presence of Zeitgeber: early-active individuals were less active overall than late-active individuals. Our study suggests a link between personality and chronotype and provides new insights into the early development of individual variation in behavioural tendencies of zebrafish.

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