1
|
Lichtenstein JLL, McEwen BL, Primavera SD, Lenihan T, Wood ZM, Carson WP, Costa-Pereira R. Top-down effects of intraspeciflic predator behavioral variation. Oecologia 2024; 205:203-214. [PMID: 38789814 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05564-5] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Among-individual variation in predator traits is ubiquitous in nature. However, variation among populations in this trait variation has been seldom considered in trophic dynamics. This has left unexplored (a) to what degree does among-individual variation in predator traits regulate prey populations and (b) to what degree do these effects vary spatially. We address these questions by examining how predator among-individual variation in functional traits shapes communities across habitats of varying structural complexity, in field conditions. We manipulated Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) density (six or twelve individuals) and behavioral trait variability (activity level by movement on an open field) in experimental patches of old fields with varying habitat complexity (density of plant material). Then, we quantified their impacts on lower trophic levels, specifically prey (arthropods > 4 mm) and plant biomass. Predator behavioral variability only altered prey biomass in structurally complex plots, and this effect depended on mantis density. In the plots with the highest habitat complexity and mantis density, behaviorally variable groups decreased prey biomass by 40.3%. In complex plots with low mantis densities, low levels of behavioral variability decreased prey biomass by 32.2%. Behavioral variability and low habitat complexity also changed prey community composition, namely by increasing ant biomass by 881%. Our results demonstrate that among-individual trait variation can shape species-rich prey communities. Moreover, these effects depend on both predator density and habitat complexity. Incorporating this important facet of ecological diversity revealed normally unnoticed effects of functional traits on the structure and function of food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James L L Lichtenstein
- Department of Biology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, 06825, USA.
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA.
| | - Brendan L McEwen
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Skylar D Primavera
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA
| | - Thomas Lenihan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA
| | - Zoe M Wood
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Walter P Carson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Raul Costa-Pereira
- Department of Animal Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, 13083-865, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hernandez Duran L, Wilson DT, Rymer TL. Exploring behavioral traits over different contexts in four species of Australian funnel-web spiders. Curr Zool 2023; 69:766-774. [PMID: 37876639 PMCID: PMC10591153 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Australian funnel-web spiders are arguably the most venomous spiders in the world, with much research focusing on this aspect of their biology. However, other aspects related to their life history, ecology and behaviour have been overlooked. For the first time, we assessed repeatability, namely risk-taking behaviour, aggressiveness and activity in the contexts of predation, conspecific tolerance and exploration of a new territory in four species of Australian funnel-web spiders: two are closely related, Hadronyche valida and H. infensa, and two have overlapping distributions but occupy different habitats, H. cerberea and Atrax robustus. We also compared behaviors between species. At the species level, we found that H. valida showed consistency in risk-taking behavior when exposed to a predator stimulus, aggressiveness against conspecifics, and exploration of a new territory. In contrast, in the other species, only A. robustus showed repeatability in the context of exploration of a new territory. These results suggest that some behavioral traits are likely more flexible than others, and that the repeatability of behaviors may be species-specific in funnel-webs. When we compared species, we found differences in risk-taking behavior and defensiveness. This study provides novel insights to understanding variation in behavioral traits within and between species of funnel-web spiders, suggesting that some behavioral traits are likely context and/or species dependent, as a result of their evolutionary history. These findings provide key insights for understanding the ecological role of behavior and venom deployment in venomous animals, and a greater understanding of behavior in these medically significant and iconic spiders that are of conservation concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hernandez Duran
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - David Thomas Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Tasmin Lee Rymer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P.O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Poblete Y, Contreras C, Fernández C, Flores CR, Vega P, Ávila M, Sabat P. Geographic variation in the altitudinal migration patterns, body size, oxidative status and exploratory behavior in a neotropical bird. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9941. [PMID: 36993153 PMCID: PMC10040957 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9941] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To cope with life in the mountains, populations of the same species can exhibit substantial variability in their altitudinal migration patterns and phenotypes in response to local weather conditions. Studying such variability can provide valuable insights into how local populations respond to environmental challenges, and this information can be useful for conservation efforts in mountain ecosystems. Here, we used δ2H values of feathers and blood to evaluate latitudinal variation in altitudinal migration patterns and its possible links with body size, oxidative status, and exploratory behavior in 72 individuals of rufous‐collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) that breed at low and high elevations in the center (~33°) and south (~38°) of Chile. Our results show that both altitudinal migration patterns and oxidative status were significantly influenced by the latitude of breeding sites, while exploratory behavior was associated with elevation. Notably, we found that fast‐explorer birds inhabiting low elevations in central Chile displayed higher levels of oxidative damage than slow‐explorer birds. These outcomes underscore the possibility of local adaptations in response to diverse local environmental conditions in the Andes. We discuss the implications of latitude, elevation, and environmental temperature in shaping the observed patterns and highlight the significance of identifying local adaptations in mountain birds for better predicting their response to climate change and other challenges stemming from anthropogenic activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Poblete
- NIAVA: Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y AgronomíaUniversidad de Las Américas, Campus ProvidenciaManuel Montt948SantiagoChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)SantiagoChile
| | - Carolina Contreras
- NIAVA: Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y AgronomíaUniversidad de Las Américas, Campus ProvidenciaManuel Montt948SantiagoChile
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)SantiagoChile
| | - Carolina Fernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Conservación de la NaturalezaUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Patricia Vega
- Master of Conservation ScienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Miguel Ávila
- NIAVA: Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y AgronomíaUniversidad de Las Américas, Campus ProvidenciaManuel Montt948SantiagoChile
| | - Pablo Sabat
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES)SantiagoChile
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cardona-Salazar LJ, Busi A, Castillo DG, Ossa-López PA, Rivera-Páez FA, Vásquez RA, Castaño-Villa GJ. Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2020-0985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes. Elevation strongly influences the evolution of life history traits associated with bird physiology and reproduction. Since life history traits in birds are modulated by environmental factors that vary with elevation, we expected to find changes in breeding biology traits of Z. capensis at different elevations. In this study, we compared the breeding biology (clutch size, egg volume, and reproductive activity) of a non-migratory population of Z. capensis in two localities at different elevations (low and high elevations, 1 800 m a.s.l., and 3 800 m a.s.l., respectively) and same latitude in the Colombian Tropical Andes for a one-year period. We found no differences in clutch size between the localities; however, egg volume was higher at high elevation. Furthermore, the reproductive activity differed significantly between localities. We propose that clutch size is likely conserved throughout the altitudinal distribution of Z. capensis since the species evolved in Tropical lowlands. On the other hand, the larger egg volume at high elevation could obey local environmental factors that may favor the reproductive success of the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leydy J. Cardona-Salazar
- Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia
| | - Ana Busi
- Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Gabriel J. Castaño-Villa
- Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Universidad de Caldas, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Santicchia F, Van Dongen S, Martinoli A, Preatoni D, Wauters LA. Measuring personality traits in Eurasian red squirrels: A critical comparison of different methods. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santicchia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group Università degli Studi dell’Insubria Varese Italy
| | - Stefan Van Dongen
- Department of Biology Evolutionary Ecology Group University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group Università degli Studi dell’Insubria Varese Italy
| | - Damiano Preatoni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group Università degli Studi dell’Insubria Varese Italy
| | - Lucas Armand Wauters
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences Environment Analysis and Management Unit, Guido Tosi Research Group Università degli Studi dell’Insubria Varese Italy
- Department of Biology Evolutionary Ecology Group University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Collins SM, Hatch SA, Elliott KH, Jacobs SR. Boldness, mate choice and reproductive success in Rissa tridactyla. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
7
|
Oldham RC, Pintor LM, Gray SM. Behavioral differences within and among populations of an African cichlid found in divergent and extreme environments. Curr Zool 2019; 65:33-42. [PMID: 30697236 PMCID: PMC6347065 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are increasingly faced with human-induced stressors that vary in space and time, thus we can expect population-level divergence in behaviors that help animals to cope with environmental change. However, empirical evidence of behavioral trait divergence across environmental extremes is lacking. We tested for variation in behavioral traits among 2 populations of an African cichlid fish (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae Seegers, 1990) that experience extremes of dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity and are known to vary in a number of physiological and life history traits associated with these stressors. Using a common garden rearing experiment, F1 progeny from wild-caught parents originating from a swamp (low DO, clear) and a river (high DO, turbid) were reared in high DO, clear water. Predator simulation assays were conducted to test for (1) variation in boldness, general activity, and foraging activity between populations, (2) differences in correlations between behaviors within and across populations, and (3) repeatability of behaviors. There was strong evidence for divergence between populations, with swamp fish being more bold (i.e., leaving refuge sooner after a simulated predator attack) and active (i.e., spent more time out of refuge) than river fish. Across populations there were positive correlations between foraging activity and both boldness and general activity; however, within populations, there was only a strong positive relationship between foraging activity and boldness in the river population. Here, we have demonstrated that populations that originate from drastically different environments can produce progeny that exhibit measurable differences in behaviors and their correlated relationships even when reared under common conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Oldham
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lauren M Pintor
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Suzanne M Gray
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Intraspecific variation in exploratory behavior and elevational affinity in a widely distributed songbird. Oecologia 2018; 186:931-938. [PMID: 29388024 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Populations of the same species can vary substantially in their behavioral and morphometric traits when they are subject to different environmental pressures, which may lead to the development of different adaptive strategies. We quantified variation in exploratory behavior and morphometric traits among two rufous-collared sparrow populations that occur at low and high elevations in central Chile. Moreover, we used census and δ2H values of feather and blood to evaluate migration. We found that individual sparrows inhabiting high elevations were larger and showed more intense exploratory behavior in comparison with those that were captured at lower elevation. Moreover, we observed a steady decline in sparrow abundance during the winter and similar δ2H values for blood collected in the winter and summer at this site, which were significantly lower than blood δ2H values observed at low elevation. This pattern suggests that individuals do not move long distances during winter, and likely they remain at similar elevations in refuge habitats. As predicted, our results support the existent of different adaptive strategies among populations of the same species, and suggest that the combination of behavioral, morphometric, and stable isotope data is a novel and robust integrative approach to assess differences in adaptation across environmental gradients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Wexler Y, Scharf I. Distinct effects of two separately applied stressors on behavior in the red flour beetle. Behav Processes 2017; 145:86-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
10
|
Roy T, Shukla R, Bhat A. Risk-Taking During Feeding: Between- and Within-Population Variation and Repeatability Across Contexts Among Wild Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2017; 14:393-403. [PMID: 28737485 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tamal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Rohitashva Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Anuradha Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
He R, Pagani-Núñez E, Chevallier C, Barnett CRA. To be so bold: boldness is repeatable and related to within individual behavioural variability in North Island robins. Behav Processes 2017; 140:144-149. [PMID: 28454917 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural research traditionally focusses on the mean responses of a group of individuals rather than variation in behaviour around the mean or among individuals. However, examining the variation in behaviour among and within individuals may also yield important insights into the evolution and maintenance of behaviour. Repeatability is the most commonly used measure of variability among individuals in behavioural research. However, there are other forms of variation within populations that have received less attention. One such measure is intraindividual variation in behaviour (IIV), which is a short-term fluctuation of within-individual behaviour. Such variation in behaviour might be important during interactions because it could decrease the ability of conspecific and heterospecific individuals to predict the behaviour of the subject, thus increasing the cost of the interaction. In this experiment, we made repeated measures of the latency of North Island robins to attack a prey in a novel situation (a form of boldness) and examined (i) repeatability of boldness (the propensity to take a risk), (ii) IIV of boldness, and (iii) whether there was a significant relationship between these two traits (a behavioural syndrome). We found that boldness was highly repeatable, that there were high levels of IIV in boldness, and that there was a negative relationship between boldness and IIV in boldness. This suggests that despite high levels of repeatability for this behaviour, there were also still significant differences in IIV among different individuals within the population. Moreover, bolder individuals had significantly less IIV in their boldness, which suggests that they were forming routines (which reduces behavioural variability) compared to shyer individuals. Our results definitively demonstrate that IIV itself varies across individuals and is linked with key behavioural traits, and we argue for the importance of future studies aimed at understanding its causes and consequences for behavioural interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchuan He
- College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Emilio Pagani-Núñez
- College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, College of Ecology and Evolution/School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Clément Chevallier
- Centre d'Étude Nordique, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
| | - Craig R A Barnett
- College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, People's Republic of China; Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, University of Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Holtmann B, Lagisz M, Nakagawa S. Metabolic rates, and not hormone levels, are a likely mediator of between‐individual differences in behaviour: a meta‐analysis. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Holtmann
- Department of Zoology University of Otago 340 Great King Street Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Department of Zoology University of Otago 340 Great King Street Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Department of Zoology University of Otago 340 Great King Street Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Prolonged food restriction decreases body condition and reduces repeatability in personality traits in web-building spiders. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
14
|
Wexler Y, Subach A, Pruitt JN, Scharf I. Behavioral repeatability of flour beetles before and after metamorphosis and throughout aging. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
15
|
David M, Dall SRX. Unravelling the Philosophies Underlying ‘Animal Personality’ Studies: A Brief Re-Appraisal of the Field. Ethology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan David
- Department of Biology-Ethology; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation; School of Biosciences; College of Life & Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Cornwall UK
| | - Sasha R. X. Dall
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation; School of Biosciences; College of Life & Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Cornwall UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wuerz Y, Krüger O. Personality over ontogeny in zebra finches: long-term repeatable traits but unstable behavioural syndromes. Front Zool 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S9. [PMID: 26813709 PMCID: PMC4722341 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-12-s1-s9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial assumption of animal personality research is that behaviour is consistent over time, showing a high repeatability within individuals. This assumption is often made, sometimes tested using short time intervals between behavioural tests, but rarely thoroughly investigated across long time intervals crossing different stages of ontogeny. We performed such a longitudinal test across three life stages in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), representing about 15-20% of their life span in captivity, and found repeatabilities ranging from 0.03 to 0.67. Fearlessness and exploration were the most repeatable traits both within and across life stages. Activity and aggression were repeatable across, but not or only partly within life stages. Boldness was not repeatable. Furthermore, we found no evidence for a consistent behavioural syndrome structure across ontogeny. Our results indicate that the consistency of behavioural traits and their correlations might be overestimated and suggest that life-long stability of animal personality should not simply be assumed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Wuerz
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, PO Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, PO Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Herborn KA, Heidinger BJ, Alexander L, Arnold KE. Personality predicts behavioral flexibility in a fluctuating, natural environment. Behav Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/aru131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
|
18
|
Velásquez NA, Opazo D, Díaz J, Penna M. Divergence of acoustic signals in a widely distributed frog: relevance of inter-male interactions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87732. [PMID: 24489957 PMCID: PMC3905042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Divergence of acoustic signals in a geographic scale results from diverse evolutionary forces acting in parallel and affecting directly inter-male vocal interactions among disjunct populations. Pleurodema thaul is a frog having an extensive latitudinal distribution in Chile along which males' advertisement calls exhibit an important variation. Using the playback paradigm we studied the evoked vocal responses of males of three populations of P. thaul in Chile, from northern, central and southern distribution. In each population, males were stimulated with standard synthetic calls having the acoustic structure of local and foreign populations. Males of both northern and central populations displayed strong vocal responses when were confronted with the synthetic call of their own populations, giving weaker responses to the call of the southern population. The southern population gave stronger responses to calls of the northern population than to the local call. Furthermore, males in all populations were stimulated with synthetic calls for which the dominant frequency, pulse rate and modulation depth were varied parametrically. Individuals from the northern and central populations gave lower responses to a synthetic call devoid of amplitude modulation relative to stimuli containing modulation depths between 30–100%, whereas the southern population responded similarly to all stimuli in this series. Geographic variation in the evoked vocal responses of males of P. thaul underlines the importance of inter-male interactions in driving the divergence of the acoustic traits and contributes evidence for a role of intra-sexual selection in the evolution of the sound communication system of this anuran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A. Velásquez
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Opazo
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología y Biología del Conocer, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Díaz
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Penna
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Biro PA, Adriaenssens B. Predictability as a personality trait: consistent differences in intraindividual behavioral variation. Am Nat 2013; 182:621-9. [PMID: 24107369 DOI: 10.1086/673213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Although animal behavior is generally repeatable, most behavioral variation apparently occurs within rather than across individuals. With the exception of very recent interest in individual behavioral plasticity (consistent differences in responsiveness), this within-individual variation has been largely ignored despite its importance in the study of proximate and ultimate questions about behavior. Here, we repeatedly scored the undisturbed activity of 30 adult male mosquitofish across multiple observation bouts spanning 132 days ([Formula: see text] observations per fish). We found that the behavior of some individuals was consistently more predictable in a given context than others. Repeatability for this "intraindividual variation" (IIV; [Formula: see text]) was evident after accounting for individual differences in activity trends across days, and activity responses due to fine-scale temperature variation (i.e., individual plasticity in response to both variables). To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that predictability of behavior is a repeatable characteristic of individual animals. We suggest that IIV represents an important axis of consistent behavioral variation that has previously not been formally considered. Finally, individual differences in predictability may similarly exist for labile morphological and physiological traits but have seemingly not been studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Biro
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Velásquez NA, Marambio J, Brunetti E, Méndez MA, Vásquez RA, Penna M. Bioacoustic and genetic divergence in a frog with a wide geographical distribution. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesus Marambio
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica; Universidad de Chile; Independencia 1027; 8380453; Independencia; Santiago; Chile
| | - Enzo Brunetti
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica; Universidad de Chile; Independencia 1027; 8380453; Independencia; Santiago; Chile
| | - Marco A. Méndez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Chile; Las Palmeras 3425; 7800003; Ñuñoa; Santiago; Chile
| | | | - Mario Penna
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica; Universidad de Chile; Independencia 1027; 8380453; Independencia; Santiago; Chile
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Brust
- Department of Animal Behaviour; Bielefeld University; Bielefeld; Germany
| | - Yvonne Wuerz
- Department of Animal Behaviour; Bielefeld University; Bielefeld; Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour; Bielefeld University; Bielefeld; Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
David M, Auclair Y, Dall SRX, Cézilly F. Pairing context determines condition-dependence of song rate in a monogamous passerine bird. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 280:20122177. [PMID: 23256191 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Condition-dependence of male ornaments is thought to provide honest signals on which females can base their sexual choice for genetic quality. Recent studies show that condition-dependence patterns can vary within populations. Although long-term association is thought to promote honest signalling, no study has explored the influence of pairing context on the condition-dependence of male ornaments. In this study, we assessed the influence of natural variation in body condition on song rate in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in three different situations: during short and long encounters with an unfamiliar female, and within heterosexual mated pairs. We found consistent individual differences in male directed and undirected song rate. Moreover, body condition had a positive effect on song rate in paired males. However, male song rate was not influenced by body condition during short or long encounters with unfamiliar females. Song rate appears to be an unreliable signal of condition to prospective females as even poor-condition birds can cheat and sing at a high rate. By contrast, paired females can reliably use song rate to assess their mate's body condition, and possibly the genetic quality. We propose that species' characteristics, such as mating system, should be systematically taken into account to generate relevant hypotheses about the evolution of condition-dependent male ornaments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan David
- Université de Bourgogne, Équipe Écologie Évolutive, UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences, 6 bld. Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Maldonado K, van Dongen WFD, Vásquez RA, Sabat P. Geographic Variation in the Association between Exploratory Behavior and Physiology in Rufous-Collared Sparrows. Physiol Biochem Zool 2012; 85:618-24. [DOI: 10.1086/667406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
25
|
David M, Auclair Y, Cézilly F. Assessing Short- and Long-Term Repeatability and Stability of Personality in Captive Zebra Finches Using Longitudinal Data. Ethology 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2012.02085.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick Auclair
- Équipe Écologie Évolutive; UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon; France
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
van den Brink V, Dolivo V, Falourd X, Dreiss AN, Roulin A. Melanic color-dependent antipredator behavior strategies in barn owl nestlings. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
27
|
|