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Levey DJ, Poulsen JR, Schaeffer AP, Deochand ME, Oswald JA, Robinson SK, Londoño GA. Wild mockingbirds distinguish among familiar humans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10259. [PMID: 37355713 PMCID: PMC10290633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although individuals of some species appear able to distinguish among individuals of a second species, an alternative explanation is that individuals of the first species may simply be distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar individuals of the second species. In that case, they would not be learning unique characteristics of any given heterospecific, as commonly assumed. Here we show that female Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) can quickly learn to distinguish among different familiar humans, flushing sooner from their nest when approached by people who pose increasingly greater threats. These results demonstrate that a common small songbird has surprising cognitive abilities, which likely facilitated its widespread success in human-dominated habitats. More generally, urban wildlife may be more perceptive of differences among humans than previously imagined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Levey
- Division of Environmental Biology, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA, 22314, USA.
| | - John R Poulsen
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Andrew P Schaeffer
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Michelle E Deochand
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jessica A Oswald
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Scott K Robinson
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Gustavo A Londoño
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.
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2
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Di Giovanni J, Fawcett TW, Templeton CN, Raghav S, Boogert NJ. Urban gulls show similar thermographic and behavioral responses to human shouting and conspecific alarm calls. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.891985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid population growth and the urbanization of modern environments are markedly increasing human-wildlife conflict. Wild animals in urban landscapes can benefit from exploiting human resources, but are also exposed to increased risk of human-caused injury, which should favor the ability to perceive and respond to human cues. Although it is well known that domesticated animals use human cues that may indicate threats, less is known about wild animals living in urban environments. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) in urban landscapes have adapted kleptoparasitic behaviors to obtain human food, often resulting in negative interactions with humans. Here we quantified both the behavioral and physiological responses of free-living urban herring gulls to human shouting. We presented urban gulls with a fake human food item and played back recordings of either a man shouting, a natural stressor (i.e., conspecific alarm call), or a neutral stimulus (i.e., robin song). We recorded behavioral responses and used non-invasive infrared thermography to measure eye-region surface temperature changes associated with the avian physiological stress response. We found that gulls exposed to shouting and to conspecific alarm calls showed similar changes in behavior (indicating high levels of vigilance) and eye-region surface temperature (indicating physiological stress). Both responses were significantly stronger than the responses to robin song. Additionally, the behavioral and physiological responses were positively correlated across individuals. Our results demonstrate that urban-dwelling gulls respond to human shouting and conspecific alarm calls in a similar way, and suggest that infrared thermography is a viable technique to monitor stress responses in free-living birds.
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3
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Sarkar R, Bhadra A. How do animals navigate the urban jungle? A review of cognition in urban-adapted animals. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Goumas M, Boogert NJ, Kelley LA, Holding T. Predator or provider? How wild animals respond to mixed messages from humans. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211742. [PMID: 35308627 PMCID: PMC8924750 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211742] [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: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals encounter humans on a regular basis, but humans vary widely in their behaviour: whereas many people ignore wild animals, some people present a threat, while others encourage animals' presence through feeding. Humans thus send mixed messages to which animals must respond appropriately to be successful. Some species appear to circumvent this problem by discriminating among and/or socially learning about humans, but it is not clear whether such learning strategies are actually beneficial in most cases. Using an individual-based model, we consider how learning rate, individual recognition (IR) of humans, and social learning (SL) affect wild animals' ability to reach an optimal avoidance strategy when foraging in areas frequented by humans. We show that 'true' IR of humans could be costly. We also find that a fast learning rate, while useful when human populations are homogeneous or highly dangerous, can cause unwarranted avoidance in other scenarios if animals generalize. SL reduces this problem by allowing conspecifics to observe benign interactions with humans. SL and a fast learning rate also improve the viability of IR. These results provide an insight into how wild animals may be affected by, and how they may cope with, contrasting human behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Goumas
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Neeltje J. Boogert
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Laura A. Kelley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Holding
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Goumas M, Lee VE, Boogert NJ, Kelley LA, Thornton A. The Role of Animal Cognition in Human-Wildlife Interactions. Front Psychol 2020; 11:589978. [PMID: 33250826 PMCID: PMC7672032 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.589978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have a profound effect on the planet's ecosystems, and unprecedented rates of human population growth and urbanization have brought wild animals into increasing contact with people. For many species, appropriate responses toward humans are likely to be critical to survival and reproductive success. Although numerous studies have investigated the impacts of human activity on biodiversity and species distributions, relatively few have examined the effects of humans on the behavioral responses of animals during human-wildlife encounters, and the cognitive processes underpinning those responses. Furthermore, while humans often present a significant threat to animals, the presence or behavior of people may be also associated with benefits, such as food rewards. In scenarios where humans vary in their behavior, wild animals would be expected to benefit from the ability to discriminate between dangerous, neutral and rewarding people. Additionally, individual differences in cognitive and behavioral phenotypes and past experiences with humans may affect animals' ability to exploit human-dominated environments and respond appropriately to human cues. In this review, we examine the cues that wild animals use to modulate their behavioral responses toward humans, such as human facial features and gaze direction. We discuss when wild animals are expected to attend to certain cues, how information is used, and the cognitive mechanisms involved. We consider how the cognitive abilities of wild animals are likely to be under selection by humans and therefore influence population and community composition. We conclude by highlighting the need for long-term studies on free-living, wild animals to fully understand the causes and ecological consequences of variation in responses to human cues. The effects of humans on wildlife behavior are likely to be substantial, and a detailed understanding of these effects is key to implementing effective conservation strategies and managing human-wildlife conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Goumas
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria E. Lee
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Neeltje J. Boogert
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Laura A. Kelley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Thornton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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Diquelou MC, Griffin AS. Behavioral Responses of Invasive and Nuisance Vertebrates to Harvesting: A Mechanistic Framework. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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7
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Feng C, Liang W. Living together: Waterbirds distinguish between local fishermen and casual outfits. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Gunther I, Azriel L, Wolf H, Raz T, Klement E. An accessible scheme for monitoring free-roaming cat population trends. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1288-1298. [PMID: 32076514 PMCID: PMC7029095 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming cats (FRCs) form nondomiciliary population groups that might lead to adverse environmental effects, as well as to welfare impairment of the cats themselves. Though criticized by ecologists, for the last two decades, the trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs were often employed aiming to manage these populations. At present, no accepted and accessible monitoring scheme exists to determine the effectiveness of those programs. In the current study, we present the reliability and validity of an applicable monitoring scheme, as an adjunct tool for a TNR program of FRC in an urban environment. The monitoring scheme is based on cat observation counts along randomly chosen transects. Fifty-four transects were repeatedly walked for three years, between 2012-2014, in 27 neighborhoods within an urban area of 19.3 Km2. Cat numbers counted in the 2014 observations were significantly higher than cat numbers found in the 2012 observations (prevalence ratio = 1.258, CI95%= 1.198-1.322, p < 0.001). The method revealed high reliability when different observers and different transects in the same neighborhood were compared (R 2 = 0.548 and R 2 = 0.391, respectively, for measuring cat counts per km, p < 0.001; and R 2 = 0.5 and R 2 = 0.74, respectively, for measuring neutering percentage, p < 0.001). This scheme was constructively validated by measurements of municipal data on the number of neutered cats and demonstrated high correlation (R 2 = 0.59, p < 0.001). Conducting cat observations using friendly calling and feeding resulted in an increased number of FRC observed per km walk (by 79% and 22%-30%, respectively). However, these manipulations did not alter the recorded percentage of neutered cats. The proposed scheme provides spatio-temporal data that can contribute to the management programs of such cat metapopulations in an urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idit Gunther
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
| | - Lior Azriel
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
| | - Hila Wolf
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
| | - Tal Raz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
| | - Eyal Klement
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIsrael
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9
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Vincze E, Pipoly I, Seress G, Preiszner B, Papp S, Németh B, Liker A, Bókony V. Great tits take greater risk toward humans and sparrowhawks in urban habitats than in forests. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ernő Vincze
- MTA‐PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group University of Pannonia Veszprém Hungary
| | - Ivett Pipoly
- MTA‐PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group University of Pannonia Veszprém Hungary
| | - Gábor Seress
- Department of Limnology University of Pannonia Veszprém Hungary
| | - Bálint Preiszner
- Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research Hungarian Academy of Sciences Tihany Hungary
| | - Sándor Papp
- Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate Csopak Hungary
| | - Brigitta Németh
- Centre of Environmental Sciences Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - András Liker
- MTA‐PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group University of Pannonia Veszprém Hungary
- Department of Limnology University of Pannonia Veszprém Hungary
| | - Veronika Bókony
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest Hungary
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10
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Diquelou MC, Griffin AS. It’s a trap! Invasive common mynas learn socially about control-related cues. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Diquelou
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea S Griffin
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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11
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Rohrer KN, Ferkin MH. Meadow voles,
Microtus pennsylvanicus
, can discriminate between scents of individual house cats,
Felis catus. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl N. Rohrer
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee
| | - Michael H. Ferkin
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee
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12
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13
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Cromwell HC, Tremblay L, Schultz W. Neural encoding of choice during a delayed response task in primate striatum and orbitofrontal cortex. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:1679-1688. [PMID: 29610950 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reward outcomes are available in many diverse situations and all involve choice. If there are multiple outcomes each rewarding, then decisions regarding relative value lead to choosing one over another. Important factors related to choice context should be encoded and utilized for this form of adaptive choosing. These factors can include the number of alternatives, the pacing of choice behavior and the possibility to reverse one's choice. An essential step in understanding if the context of choice is encoded is to directly compare choice with a context in which choice is absent. Neural activity in orbitofrontal cortex and striatum encodes potential value parameters related to reward quality and quantity as well as relative preference. We examined how neural activations in these brain regions are sensitive to choice situations and potentially involved in a prediction for the upcoming outcome selection. Neural activity was recorded and compared between a two-choice spatial delayed response task and an imperative 'one-option' task. Neural activity was obtained that extended from the instruction cue to the movement similar to previous work utilizing the identical imperative task. Orbitofrontal and striatal neural responses depended upon the decision about the choice of which reward to collect. Moreover, signals to predictive instruction cues that precede choice were selective for the choice situation. These neural responses could reflect chosen value with greater information on relative value of individual options as well as encode choice context itself embedded in the task as a part of the post-decision variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard C Cromwell
- Department of Psychology, JP Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA.
| | - Leon Tremblay
- Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive, UMR-5229 CNRS, Bron, Cedex, France
- Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Wolfram Schultz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
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14
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Discrimination of human faces by archerfish (Toxotes chatareus). Sci Rep 2016; 6:27523. [PMID: 27272551 PMCID: PMC4895153 DOI: 10.1038/srep27523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two rival theories of how humans recognize faces exist: (i) recognition is innate, relying on specialized neocortical circuitry, and (ii) recognition is a learned expertise, relying on general object recognition pathways. Here, we explore whether animals without a neocortex, can learn to recognize human faces. Human facial recognition has previously been demonstrated for birds, however they are now known to possess neocortex-like structures. Also, with much of the work done in domesticated pigeons, one cannot rule out the possibility that they have developed adaptations for human face recognition. Fish do not appear to possess neocortex-like cells, and given their lack of direct exposure to humans, are unlikely to have evolved any specialized capabilities for human facial recognition. Using a two-alternative forced-choice procedure, we show that archerfish (Toxotes chatareus) can learn to discriminate a large number of human face images (Experiment 1, 44 faces), even after controlling for colour, head-shape and brightness (Experiment 2, 18 faces). This study not only demonstrates that archerfish have impressive pattern discrimination abilities, but also provides evidence that a vertebrate lacking a neocortex and without an evolutionary prerogative to discriminate human faces, can nonetheless do so to a high degree of accuracy.
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15
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Ricker JM, Hatch JD, Powers DD, Cromwell HC. Fractionating choice: A study on reward discrimination, preference, and relative valuation in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 130:174-86. [PMID: 27078079 DOI: 10.1037/com0000034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Choice behavior combines discrimination between distinctive outcomes, preference for specific outcomes and relative valuation of comparable outcomes. Previous work has focused on 1 component (i.e., preference) disregarding other influential processes that might provide a more complete understanding. Animal models of choice have been explored primarily utilizing extensive training, limited freedom for multiple decisions and sparse behavioral measures constrained to a single phase of motivated action. The present study used a paradigm that combines different elements of previous methods with the goal to distinguish among components of choice and explore how well components match predictions based on risk-sensitive foraging strategies. In order to analyze discrimination and relative valuation, it was necessary to have an option that shifted and an option that remained constant. Shifting outcomes among weeks included a change in single-option outcome (0 to 1 to 2 pellets) or a change in mixed-option outcome (0 or 5 to 0 or 3 to 0 or 1 pellets). Constant outcomes among weeks were also mixed-option (0 or 3 pellets) or single-option (1 pellet). Shifting single-option outcomes among weeks led to better discrimination, more robust preference and significant incentive contrast effects for the alternative outcome. Shifting multioptions altered choice components and led to dissociations among discrimination, preference, and reduced contrast effects. During extinction, all components were impacted with the greatest deficits during the shifting mixed-option outcome sessions. Results suggest choice behavior can be optimized for 1 component but suboptimal for others depending upon the complexity of alterations in outcome value between options. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Ricker
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University
| | - Justin D Hatch
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University
| | - Daniel D Powers
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University
| | - Howard Casey Cromwell
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University
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16
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Vincze E, Papp S, Preiszner B, Seress G, Liker A, Bókony V. Does urbanization facilitate individual recognition of humans by house sparrows? Anim Cogn 2014; 18:291-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-014-0799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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17
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Freeberg TM, Krama T, Vrublevska J, Krams I, Kullberg C. Tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) calling and risk-sensitive foraging in the face of threat. Anim Cogn 2014; 17:1341-52. [PMID: 24929843 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-014-0770-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Individuals often produce alarm or mobbing calls when they detect a threat such as a predator. Little is known about whether such calling is affected by the facial orientation of a potential threat, however. We tested for an effect of facial orientation of a potential threat on tufted titmice, Baeolophus bicolor, a songbird that uses chick-a-dee calls in a variety of social contexts. In two studies, a human observer wore an animal mask that either faced or faced away from the focal bird(s). In Study 1, focal birds were individual titmice captured in a walk-in trap, and the observer stood near the trapped bird. In Study 2, focal birds were titmouse flocks utilizing a feeding station and the observer stood near the station. In both studies, calling behavior was affected by mask orientation. In Study 2, foraging and agonistic behavior were also affected. Titmice can therefore perceive the facial orientation of a potential threat, and this perception affects different behavioral systems, including calling. Our results indicate sensitivity of titmice to the facial orientation of a potential predator in two quite different motivational contexts. This work suggests the possibility of strategic signaling by prey species depending upon the perceptual space of a detected predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Freeberg
- Department of Psychology, Austin Peay Building 301B, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA,
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18
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Cibulski L, Wascher CAF, Weiss BM, Kotrschal K. Familiarity with the experimenter influences the performance of Common ravens (Corvus corax) and Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) in cognitive tasks. Behav Processes 2013; 103:129-37. [PMID: 24333226 PMCID: PMC4003535 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We compared the results of corvids in experiments with familiar/unfamiliar humans. We investigated behavioural reactions towards familiar and unfamiliar humans. Corvids performed significantly better in experiments with familiar humans. Corvids did not show more neophobia towards unfamiliar humans. Hence, familiarity positively affected the experimental performance of corvids.
When humans and animals interact with one another over an extended time span they familiarise and may develop a relationship, which can exert an influence on both partners. For example, the behaviour of an animal in experiments may be affected by its relationship to the human experimenter. However, few studies have systematically examined the impact of human–animal relationships on experimental results. In the present study we investigated if familiarity with a human experimenter influences the performance of Common ravens (Corvus corax) and Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) in interactive tasks. Birds were tested in two interactive cognitive tasks (exchange, object choice) by several experimenters representing different levels of familiarity (long and short-term). Our findings show that the birds participated more often in both tasks and were more successful in the exchange task when working with long-term experimenters than when working with short-term experimenters. Behavioural observations indicate that anxiety did not inhibit experimental performance but that the birds’ motivation to work differed between the two kinds of experimenters, familiar and less familiar. We conclude that human–animal relationships (i.e. familiarity) may affect the experimental performance of corvids in interactive cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Cibulski
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, 4645 Grünau, Austria; Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Claudia A F Wascher
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, 4645 Grünau, Austria; Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Brigitte M Weiss
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, 4645 Grünau, Austria; Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comparative Zoology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Kurt Kotrschal
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, 4645 Grünau, Austria; Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Barnett C, Salter M, Chevallier C, Robertson N, Berard O, Burns KC. The ability of North Island Robins to discriminate between humans is related to their behavioural type. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64487. [PMID: 23700482 PMCID: PMC3659115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are able to learn to identify persistent threats to themselves and their offspring. For example, birds are able to quickly learn to discriminate between humans that have previously threatened their nests from humans with whom they have had no prior experience. However, no study has yet examined whether a bird's ability to discriminate between humans is related to the bird's underlying behavioural type. In this study, we examined whether there were differences among North Island (NI) robins (Petroica longipes), based on their underlying behavioural type, in their abilities to discriminate between familiar and novel human observers. Using a simple feeding experiment, we timed how long it took birds to attack a food item placed next to an observer on each of 7 days. On the eighth day, a different observer timed the birds. We found that birds could be split into two behaviour types based on their attack behaviour: fast attackers (latencies <20 sec) and slow attackers (latencies >20 secs). Interestingly, the fast birds did not increase their attack latency in response to the novel observer whereas the slow attackers did. This result, for the first time, demonstrates that a bird's ability to discriminate between humans can vary among birds based on their behavioural type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Barnett
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Stephan C, Bugnyar T. Pigeons integrate past knowledge across sensory modalities. Anim Behav 2013; 85:605-613. [PMID: 23487497 PMCID: PMC3593209 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Advanced inferring abilities that are used for predator recognition and avoidance have been documented in a variety of animal species that produce alarm calls. In contrast, evidence for cognitive abilities that underpin predation avoidance in nonalarm-calling species is restricted to associative learning of heterospecific alarm calls and predator presence. We investigated cognitive capacities that underlie the perception and computation of external information beyond associative learning by addressing contextual information processing in pigeons, Columba livia, a bird species without specific alarm calls. We used a habituation/dishabituation paradigm across sensory modes to test pigeons' context-dependent inferring abilities. The birds reliably took previous knowledge about predator presence into account and responded with predator-specific scanning behaviour only if predator presence was not indicated before or if the perceived level of urgency increased. Hence, pigeons' antipredator behaviour was not based on the physical properties of displayed stimuli or their referential content alone but on contextual information, indicated by the kind and order of stimulus presentation and different sensory modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Stephan
- Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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