1
|
Valdivieso-Cortadella S, Bernardi-Gómez C, Aureli F, Llorente M, Amici F. Yawning and scratching contagion in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Sci Rep 2023; 13:8367. [PMID: 37225745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioural contagion is a widespread phenomenon in animal species, which is thought to promote coordination and group cohesion. Among non-human primates, however, there is no evidence of behavioural contagion in Platyrrhines (i.e. primates from South and Central America) yet. Here, we investigated whether behavioural contagion is also present in this taxon, by assessing yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group (N = 49) of Geoffroy's spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). We conducted focal samples to examine whether individuals observing the triggering event (i.e. a naturally occurring yawning or scratching event in the group) would be more likely to yawn or scratch in the following 3 min, as compared to individuals who did not observe the triggering event. We ran generalized linear mixed models using a Bayesian approach, and found that the probability of yawning and scratching was higher for individuals observing others yawning and scratching, respectively, as compared to individuals who did not observe such an event. Behavioural contagion did not vary depending on the observer's sex, kinship or relationship quality with the individual performing the triggering event. These findings provide the first evidence for yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group of spider monkeys, and importantly contribute to the debate about the evolutionary origins of behavioural contagion in primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Aureli
- Instituto de Neuroetologia, Universidad Veracruzana, 91190, Xalapa-Enríquez, Mexico
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L1 2SF, UK
| | - Miquel Llorente
- Universitat de Girona, Fundació UdG: Innovació i Formació, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Departament de Psicologia, Universitat de Girona, 17004, Girona, Spain
| | - Federica Amici
- Institute of Biology, Human Biology and Primate Cognition Group, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pedretti G, Canori C, Biffi E, Marshall-Pescini S, Valsecchi P. Appeasement function of displacement behaviours? Dogs' behavioural displays exhibited towards threatening and neutral humans. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:943-952. [PMID: 36662320 PMCID: PMC10066101 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Appeasement signals are behavioural patterns displaying an animal's non-aggressive attitude and are hypothesized to reduce the aggressive behaviours in the receiver. In domestic dogs, specific displacement behaviours (i.e., behavioural patterns exhibited without an apparent function related to the ongoing situation), have been suggested to function as appeasement signals. To test this possibility, we assessed whether the occurrence of these behaviours was dependent on a social conflict context, predicting that, if displacement behaviours also function as appeasement signals, they should be more prevalent in a conflict vs. non-conflict context. Fifty-three dogs were exposed to two unfamiliar humans approaching them in either a mildly threatening or neutral way. We categorized the attitude of the dogs towards the strangers as "reactive", i.e., barking and lunging towards the stimulus, and "non-reactive", i.e., remaining passive in front of the stimuli. We coded dogs' displacement activities and modelled their duration or frequency as a function of the interaction between the test condition and the attitude of the dog. Displacement behaviours of "blinking", "nose licking" and "lip wiping" were associated with a "non-reactive" attitude, independently from the test condition, confirming an association with a non-aggressive intention. "Head turning" was associated with a "non-reactive" attitude in the threatening condition. In conclusion, dogs with a non-aggressive attitude exhibited more putative appeasement signals; however, these were not strictly associated with a conflict-ridden situation, calling for further investigation of their function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pedretti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy. .,Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
| | - Chiara Canori
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Biffi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Sarah Marshall-Pescini
- Domestication Lab, Wolf Science Center, Konrad-Lorenz-Institute for Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paola Valsecchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The effects of allogrooming and social network position on behavioural indicators of stress in female lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus). Behav Processes 2022; 202:104740. [PMID: 36038022 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Allogrooming serves an important social function in primates and confers short term benefits such as parasite removal and stress-relief. There is currently mixed evidence as to the immediate impact of allogrooming on an individual's stress levels, which may be influenced by their role in the grooming dyad, position in their social network, or their relationship with their grooming partner. In this study of seven captive adult female lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) in a mixed sex group at Chester Zoo, UK, we found evidence to support a tension-reduction function of allogrooming. Focal animal sampling showed that the duration of self-directed behaviour (SDB), which indicates moderate to high levels of stress, was significantly lower in the five-minute period following allogrooming than the five-minute minute period preceding it for both recipients and groomers. However, when compared to match-control periods, both SDB rates and durations were significantly lower across all individuals in the five-minute period both before and after allogrooming, indicating that although allogrooming reduces stress, it is also more likely to occur when individuals are already in a relatively relaxed state. The rate and duration of SDB post-grooming did not correlate with the strength of a dyad's bond (based on proximity). This suggests that it is the act of allogrooming itself, rather than the identity of the partner, that reduces stress for both parties. Analysis of the proximity network highlighted a clear cost to social integration; node strength, a measure of the number and strength of an individual's direct relationships, positively correlated with the duration of self-directed behaviour, suggesting that more gregarious individuals may experience higher levels of stress. These findings add to the growing body of literature that examines the effect of the individual social environment on primate stress levels, and also highlight the need to further investigate the link between social integration and the stress experienced by group-living animals.
Collapse
|
4
|
“Emotional Proximity” and “Spatial Proximity”: Higher Relationship Quality and Nearer Distance Both Strengthen Scratch Contagion in Tibetan Macaques. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162151. [PMID: 36009741 PMCID: PMC9404782 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In social situations, people may unconsciously repeat their partners’ small moves. Sometimes we can not help opening our mouths when we watch others yawn; other times, we subconsciously cross our legs like others. This phenomenon also exists in animals. We believe that this retained habit is beneficial to social animals. By observing a group of macaques, we found that close partners are more prone to have behavioral synchronization, which is conducive to the maintenance of the group. Abstract Behavioral contagion has been defined as a phenomenon in which an unlearned behavior automatically triggers a similar behavior in others. Previous studies showed that a behavioral contagion might have the function of strengthening social relationships, promoting group coordination and maintaining social cohesion. However, so far, there are few studies investigating the correlation between contagious scratching and social bonding. Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) live in multi-male and multi-female cohesive matrilineal groups, and scratching is usually observed in their affiliated interactions. We investigated the process of scratch contagion in one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques and explored whether behavioral contagion could consolidate social relationships and maintain social stability. Results showed that the scratching was contagious and correlated with relationship quality and spatial distance. In dyads with a higher Dyadic Composite Sociality Index (DSI), the contagion was strong. In addition, contagions occurred more frequently and faster among individuals nearer to each other. In terms of social groups, members with higher social centrality participated in more behavioral contagion, whether as expressers or observers. Our findings provide new perspectives for studying behavioral contagions in humans and animals.
Collapse
|
5
|
Audience effect on domestic dogs' behavioural displays and facial expressions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9747. [PMID: 35697913 PMCID: PMC9192729 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we investigated the influence of positive and negative arousal situations and the presence of an audience on dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions. We exposed dogs to positive anticipation, non-social frustration and social frustration evoking test sessions and measured pre and post-test salivary cortisol concentrations. Cortisol concentration did not increase during the tests and there was no difference in pre or post-test concentrations in the different test conditions, excluding a different level of arousal. Displacement behaviours of “looking away” and “sniffing the environment” occurred more in the frustration-evoking situations compared to the positive anticipation and were correlated with cortisol concentrations. “Ears forward” occurred more in the positive anticipation condition compared to the frustration-evoking conditions, was positively influenced by the presence of an audience, and negatively correlated to the pre-test cortisol concentrations, suggesting it may be a good indicator of dogs’ level of attention. “Ears flattener”, “blink”, “nose lick”, “tail wagging” and “whining” were associated with the presence of an audience but were not correlated to cortisol concentrations, suggesting a communicative component of these visual displays. These findings are a first step to systematically test which subtle cues could be considered communicative signals in domestic dogs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nieuwburg EGI, Ploeger A, Kret ME. Emotion recognition in nonhuman primates: How experimental research can contribute to a better understanding of underlying mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 123:24-47. [PMID: 33453306 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Recognising conspecifics' emotional expressions is important for nonhuman primates to navigate their physical and social environment. We address two possible mechanisms underlying emotion recognition: emotional contagion, the automatic matching of the observer's emotions to the emotional state of the observed individual, and cognitive empathy, the ability to understand the meaning and cause of emotional expressions while maintaining a distinction between own and others' emotions. We review experimental research in nonhuman primates to gain insight into the evolution of emotion recognition. Importantly, we focus on how emotional contagion and cognitive empathy can be studied experimentally. Evidence for aspects of cognitive empathy in different nonhuman primate lineages suggests that a wider range of primates than commonly assumed can infer emotional meaning from emotional expressions. Possibly, analogous rather than homologous evolution underlies emotion recognition. However, conclusions regarding its exact evolutionary course require more research in different modalities and species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G I Nieuwburg
- University of Amsterdam, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemie Ploeger
- University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Programme Group Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska E Kret
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden University, Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rudolph K, Fichtel C, Heistermann M, Kappeler PM. Dynamics and determinants of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in wild Verreaux's sifakas. Horm Behav 2020; 124:104760. [PMID: 32330550 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have wide-ranging effects on animals' behaviour, but many of these effects remain poorly understood because numerous confounding factors have often been neglected in previous studies. Here, we present data from a 2-year study of 7 groups of wild Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi), in which we examined concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs, n = 2350 samples) simultaneously in relation to ambient temperatures, food intake, rank, reproduction, adult sex ratios, social interactions, vigilance and self-scratching. Multi-variate analyses revealed that fGCM concentrations were positively correlated with increases in daily temperature fluctuations and tended to decrease with increasing fruit intake. fGCM concentrations increased when males were sexually mature and began to disperse, and dominant males had higher fGCM concentrations than subordinate males. In contrast to males, older females showed a non-significant trend to have lower fGCM levels, potentially reflecting differences in male and female life-history strategies. Reproducing females had the highest fGCM concentrations during late gestation and had higher fGCM levels than non-reproducing females, except during early lactation. Variation in fGCM concentrations was not associated with variation in social interactions, adult sex ratios, vigilance and self-scratching. Altogether, we show that measures of glucocorticoid output constitute appropriate tools for studying energetic burdens of ecological and reproductive challenges. However, they seem to be insufficient indicators for immediate endocrinological responses to social and nonsocial behaviours that are not directly linked to energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Rudolph
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Dept. Sociobiology/Anthropology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Leibniz Science Campus "Primate Cognition", Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Leibniz Science Campus "Primate Cognition", Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Dept. Sociobiology/Anthropology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Laméris DW, van Berlo E, Sterck EHM, Bionda T, Kret ME. Low relationship quality predicts scratch contagion during tense situations in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23138. [PMID: 32333423 PMCID: PMC7379188 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Primates show various forms of behavioral contagion that are stronger between kin and friends. As a result, behavioral contagion is thought to promote group coordination, social cohesion, and possibly state matching. Aside from contagious yawning, little is known about the contagious effect of other behaviors. Scratching is commonly observed during arousal and as such may play a role within group dynamics. While the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is commonly considered the least social great ape, orangutans do engage in social interactions. Therefore, their social organization makes them a suitable case for studying the social function of behavioral contagion. Through behavioral observations of captive orangutans, we recorded all yawn and scratch events together with the corresponding behavior of all bystander group-members. As yawning was rarely observed, no conclusions could be drawn regarding this behavior. Scratching was contagious and occurred within 90 s after the triggering scratch. Specifically, orangutans showed increased scratch contagion when they had seen a weakly bonded individual scratch during tense contexts. When the orangutan had not seen the triggering scratch, the contagiousness of scratching was not affected by context or relationship quality. Our results indicate that behavioral contagion is not simply higher between individuals with stronger social relationships, but that the contagiousness of behaviors may vary based on the context and on social factors. We discuss these findings in light of an adaptive function that may reduce aggression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daan W Laméris
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Biology, Animal Ecology Research Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Evy van Berlo
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth H M Sterck
- Department of Biology, Animal Ecology Research Group, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Science, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mariska E Kret
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Selective attention for affiliative and agonistic interactions of dominants and close affiliates in macaques. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5962. [PMID: 32249792 PMCID: PMC7136223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring conspecifics is a crucial process in social learning and a building block of social cognition. Selective attention to social stimuli results from interactions of subject and stimulus characteristics with dominance rank often emerging as an important predictor. We extend previous research by providing as stimuli naturally occurring affiliative interactions between group members instead of pictorial or auditory representations of conflicts, and by extending to the affiliative relationship, i.e. social bond, between subject and stimulus instead of just their dominance relations. Our observational data on adult female rhesus macaques support the prediction that subjects pay more attention to affiliative interactions of others than to solitary controls. Exceedingly more attention was paid to conflicts unfolding in the group which can have more prompt and direct consequences than others’ friendly interactions. The valence of the stimulus (affiliative vs. agonistic) affected biases towards individuals dominant over the subject, but not the ubiquitous bias towards close affiliates of the subject. Keeping track of the whereabouts and interactions of key social partners has been proposed as a prerequisite for behavioral coordination among bonded partners. In groups of socially very active monkeys, social attention is gated by both social dominance and social bonding.
Collapse
|
10
|
Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, van Laarhoven AIM, van Leijenhorst C, Pacheco-Lopez G, Lavrijsen APM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Placebo and nocebo effects for itch and itch-related immune outcomes: A systematic review of animal and human studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:325-337. [PMID: 32240668 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects can influence somatic symptoms such as pain. For itch and other dermatological symptoms these effects have been far less investigated. This review systematically integrates evidence from both animal (mainly rodents) and human trials on placebo and nocebo effects in itch, itch-related symptoms and conditions of the skin and mucous membranes, and related immune outcomes (e.g., histamine). Thirty-one animal studies, and fifty-five human studies (k = 21 healthy participants, k = 34 patients) were included. Overall, studies consistently show that placebo and nocebo effects can be induced by various methods (e.g., suggestions, conditioning and social cues), despite high heterogeneity across studies. Effects of suggestions were found consistently across subjective and behavioral parameters (e.g., itch and scratching in humans), whereas conditioning was likely to impact physiological parameters under certain conditions (e.g., conditioning of histamine levels in stressed rodents). Brain areas responsible for itch processing were associated with nocebo effects. Future research may investigate how variations in methods impact placebo and nocebo effects, and whether all symptoms and conditions can be influenced equally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cora van Leijenhorst
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-Lopez
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Lerma, Health Sciences Department, Lerma, 52005, Edo Mex, Mexico
| | - Adriana P M Lavrijsen
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300RB, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Norscia I, Zanoli A, Gamba M, Palagi E. Auditory Contagious Yawning Is Highest Between Friends and Family Members: Support to the Emotional Bias Hypothesis. Front Psychol 2020; 11:442. [PMID: 32317997 PMCID: PMC7147458 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Contagious yawning differs from spontaneous yawning because it occurs when an individual yawns in response to someone else’s yawn. In Homo sapiens and some non-human primates contagious yawning is higher between strongly than weakly bonded individuals. Up to date, it is still unclear whether this social asymmetry underlies emotional contagion (a basic form of empathy preferentially involving familiar individuals) as predicted by the Emotional Bias Hypothesis (EBH) or is linked to a top-down, selective visual attention bias (with selective attention being preferentially directed toward familiar faces) as predicted by the Attentional Bias Hypothesis (ABH). To verify whether the visual attentional bias explained the yawn contagion bias or not, in this study, we considered only yawns that could be heard but not seen by potential responders (auditory yawns). Around 294 of auditory yawning occurrences were extrapolated from over 2000 yawning bouts collected in free ranging humans for over nine years. Via GLMM, we tested the effect of intrinsic features (i.e., gender and age) and social bond (from strangers to family members) on yawn. The individual identity of the subjects (trigger and potential responder) was included as random factor. The social bond significantly predicted the occurrence of auditory yawn contagion, which was highest between friends and family members. A gender bias was also observed, with women responding most frequently to others’ yawns and men being responded to most frequently by others. These results confirm that social bond is per se one of the main drivers of the differences in yawn contagion rates between individuals in support of the EBH of yawn contagion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Norscia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, School of Nature Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Zanoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, School of Nature Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Gamba
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, School of Nature Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Palagi
- Unit of Ethology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schino G, Scerbo M. Monitoring of group mates in relation to their behavior in mandrills. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23129. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Schino
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie della Cognizione, Consiglio Nazionale delle RicercheRome Italy
| | - Martina Scerbo
- Dipartimento di Biologia AmbientaleSapienza Università di RomaRoma Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Palagi E, Celeghin A, Tamietto M, Winkielman P, Norscia I. The neuroethology of spontaneous mimicry and emotional contagion in human and non-human animals. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:149-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
14
|
Massen JJ, Behrens F, Martin JS, Stocker M, Brosnan SF. A comparative approach to affect and cooperation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:370-387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
15
|
Fröhlich M, Lee K, Mitra Setia T, Schuppli C, van Schaik CP. The loud scratch: a newly identified gesture of Sumatran orangutan mothers in the wild. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190209. [PMID: 31311488 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The communicative function of primates' self-directed behaviours like scratching has gained increasing attention in recent years, but their intentional use is still debated. Here, we addressed this issue by exploring the communicative function of 'loud scratches' in wild Sumatran orangutans. Building on previous studies in chimpanzees, we examined the prediction that audio-visual loud scratches are used communicatively in mother-infant travel coordination. Specifically, we examined whether individual, social and scratch features affected the use of pre-move scratches, markers of intentional signal use and approach responses. We analysed a total of 1457 scratching bouts, produced by 17 individuals (including four mothers and their dependent offspring) observed during 305 h of focal follows. Overall, we found that scratching bouts preceded departure mainly when these were produced by mothers and showed features of exaggeration. If the scratching individual was a mother, associates were more likely to be visually attentive during pre-move scratches than in other contexts. Approach or follow responses to scratches by individuals in association were predicted by context, the relationship with the scratcher (i.e. offspring) and the associate's attentional state. We conclude that orangutan mothers use loud scratches as communicative strategies to coordinate joint travel with their infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlen Fröhlich
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,School of Human Evolution and Social Change and Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Tatang Mitra Setia
- Fakultas Biologi, Universitas Nasional, Jakarta Selatan 12520, Indonesia
| | - Caroline Schuppli
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carel P van Schaik
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zoratto F, Oddi G, Gori E, Micucci A, De Petrillo F, Paglieri F, Adriani W, Laviola G, Addessi E. Social modulation of risky decision-making in rats (Rattus norvegicus) and tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.). Behav Brain Res 2018; 347:37-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
17
|
Pérez-Galicia S, Miranda-Anaya M, Canales-Espinosa D, Muñoz-Delgado J. Visitor effect on the behavior of a group of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) maintained at an island in Lake Catemaco, Veracruz/Mexico. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:360-366. [PMID: 29120094 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the effect of human visitors on the behavior of a group of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) kept on a small tourist island. Although the spider monkey is a common species in zoos, there are very few specific studies on visitor effects on these monkeys. We conducted behavioral observations on the group of spider monkeys to evaluate the effect of visitors. We also used actimetry devices to measure the variations in the spider monkeys' locomotor activity associated with human presence. With regard to the effect on behavior, we found an increase in self-directed behaviors and a decrease in vocalization, both associated with human presence. Moreover, our results suggest that when people feed monkeys, there is an increase in agonistic behaviors. On the other hand, we found that changes in activity levels in response to human presence vary among individuals. We conclude that changes in spider monkeys' behavior could provide evidence of the negative effect of visitors in our study conditions. Although we discuss the differences in activity levels due to differences in social position, further research is required this topic. Our results can be used to inform management plans for this species in captivity. Improving this relationship between humans and non-human primates through tourism education programs would benefit ecotourism and therefore species conservation programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pérez-Galicia
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, México
- Chronoecology and Human Ethology Laboratory, Depto. Etología. Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, Distrito Federal, México
| | - Manuel Miranda-Anaya
- Department of Neurobiology of Development and Neurophysiology, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Domingo Canales-Espinosa
- Head Office of Academic Area of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Jairo Muñoz-Delgado
- Chronoecology and Human Ethology Laboratory, Depto. Etología. Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, Distrito Federal, México
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Massen JJ, Gallup AC. Why contagious yawning does not (yet) equate to empathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:573-585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|