1
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Abangan AS, Bürgi K, Méhault S, Deroiné M, Kopp D, Faillettaz R. Assessment of sustainable baits for passive fishing gears through automatic fish behavior recognition. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13110. [PMID: 38849459 PMCID: PMC11161462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63929-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Low-impact fishing gear, such as fish pots, could help reduce human's impact on coastal marine ecosystems in fisheries but catch rates remain low and the harvest of resources used for baiting increases their environmental cost. Using black seabreams (Spondyliosoma cantharus) as target species in the Bay of Biscay, we developed and assessed the efficiency of biodegradable biopolymer-based baits (hereafter bio-baits) made of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) and different biopolymer concentrations. Through a suite of deep and machine learning models, we automatized both the tracking and behavior classification of seabreams based on quantitative metrics describing fish motion. The models were used to predict the interest behavior of seabream towards the bait over 127 h of video. All behavior predictions categorized as interested to the bait were validated, highlighting that bio-baits have a much weaker attractive power than natural bait yet with higher activity after 4 h once natural baits have been consumed. We also show that even with imperfect tracking models, fine behavioral information can be robustly extracted from video footage through classical machine learning methods, dramatically lifting the constraints related to monitoring fish behavior. This work therefore offers new perspectives both for the improvement of bio-baits and automatic fish behavior recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kilian Bürgi
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Sonia Méhault
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
| | - Morgan Deroiné
- Institut Régional des Matériaux Avancés (IRMA), Ploemeur, France
| | - Dorothée Kopp
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
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2
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Buatois A, Siddiqi Z, Naim S, Marawi T, Gerlai R. A simple semi-automated home-tank method and procedure to explore classical associative learning in adult zebrafish. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:736-749. [PMID: 36814006 PMCID: PMC10830691 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish is a laboratory species that gained increasing popularity the last decade in a variety of subfields of biology, including toxicology, ecology, medicine, and the neurosciences. An important phenotype often measured in these fields is behaviour. Consequently, numerous new behavioural apparati and paradigms have been developed for the zebrafish, including methods for the analysis of learning and memory in adult zebrafish. Perhaps the biggest obstacle in these methods is that zebrafish is particularly sensitive to human handling. To overcome this confound, automated learning paradigms have been developed with varying success. In this manuscript, we present a semi-automated home tank-based learning/memory test paradigm utilizing visual cues, and show that it is capable of quantifying classical associative learning performance in zebrafish. We demonstrate that in this task, zebrafish successfully acquire the association between coloured-light and food reward. The hardware and software components of the task are easy and cheap to obtain and simple to assemble and set up. The procedures of the paradigm allow the test fish to remain completely undisturbed by the experimenter for several days in their home (test) tank, eliminating human handling or human interference induced stress. We demonstrate that the development of cheap and simple automated home-tank-based learning paradigms for the zebrafish is feasible. We argue that such tasks will allow us to better characterize numerous cognitive and mnemonic features of the zebrafish, including elemental as well as configural learning and memory, which will, in turn, also enhance our ability to study neurobiological mechanisms underlying learning and memory using this model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Buatois
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Rm CCT4004, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Neurochemistry and Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Su Sahlgrenska, 41345, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Zahra Siddiqi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Rm CCT4004, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Sadia Naim
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Rm CCT4004, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Tulip Marawi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Rm CCT4004, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Rm CCT4004, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5, Canada.
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3
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Alex D, Cardoso SD, Ramos A, Gonçalves D. Behavioral and endocrine responses to noninteractive live and video conspecifics in males of the Siamese fighting fish. Curr Zool 2023; 69:568-577. [PMID: 37637314 PMCID: PMC10449422 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac078] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological mechanisms underlying variation in aggression in fish remain poorly understood. One possibly confounding variable is the lack of standardization in the type of stimuli used to elicit aggression. The presentation of controlled stimuli in videos, a.k.a. video playback, can provide better control of the fight components. However, this technique has produced conflicting results in animal behavior studies and needs to be carefully validated. For this, a similar response to the video and an equivalent live stimulus needs to be demonstrated. Further, different physiological responses may be triggered by live and video stimuli, and it is important to demonstrate that video images elicit appropriate physiological reactions. Here, the behavioral and endocrine responses of male Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens to a matched-for-size conspecific fighting behind a one-way mirror, presented live or through video playback, were compared. The video playback and live stimulus elicited a strong and similar aggressive response by the focal fish, with a fight structure that started with stereotypical threat displays and progressed to overt attacks. Postfight plasma levels of the androgen 11-ketotestosterone were elevated as compared to controls, regardless of the type of stimuli. Cortisol also increased in response to the video images, as previously described for live fights in this species. These results show that the interactive component of a fight and its resolution are not needed to trigger an endocrine response to aggression in this species. The study also demonstrates for the first time in a fish a robust endocrine response to video stimuli and supports the use of this technique for researching aggressive behavior in B. splendens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Alex
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - Sara D Cardoso
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - Andreia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - David Gonçalves
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
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4
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Mitoyen C, Quigley C, Canoine V, Colombo S, Wölfl S, Fusani L. Alteration of the temporal association between courtship audio and visual components affects female sexual response. Integr Zool 2023; 18:720-735. [PMID: 35848698 PMCID: PMC7616322 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12670] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Some multimodal signals-that is, occurring in more than one sensory modality-appear to carry additional information which is not present when component signals are presented separately. To understand the function of male ring dove's (Streptopelia risoria) multimodal courtship, we used audiovisual playback of male displays to investigate female response to stimuli differing in their audiovisual timing. From natural courtship recordings, we created a shifted stimulus where audio was shifted relative to video by a fixed value and a jittered stimulus, where each call was moved randomly along the visual channel. We presented 3 groups of females with the same stimulus type, that is, control, shifted, and jittered, for 7 days. We recorded their behavior and assessed pre- and post-test blood estradiol concentration. We found that playback exposure increased estradiol levels, confirming that this technique can be efficiently used to study doves' sexual communication. Additionally, chasing behavior (indicating sexual stimulation) increased over experimental days only in the control condition, suggesting a role of multimodal timing on female response. This stresses the importance of signal configuration in multimodal communication, as additional information is likely to be contained in the temporal association between modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Mitoyen
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Cliodhna Quigley
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Virginie Canoine
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Colombo
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Wölfl
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Maxeiner M, Hocke M, Moenck HJ, Gebhardt GHW, Weimar N, Musiolek L, Krause J, Bierbach D, Landgraf T. Social competence improves the performance of biomimetic robots leading live fish. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2023; 18. [PMID: 37015241 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/acca59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Collective motion is commonly modeled with static interaction rules between agents. Substantial empirical evidence indicates, however, that animals may adapt their interaction rules depending on a variety of factors and social contexts. Here, we hypothesized that leadership performance is linked to the leader's responsiveness to the follower's actions and we predicted that a leader is followed longer if it adapts to the follower's avoidance movements. We tested this prediction with live guppies that interacted with a biomimetic robotic fish programmed to act as a 'socially competent' leader. Fish that were avoiding the robot were approached more carefully in future approaches. In two separate experiments we then asked how the leadership performance of the socially competent robot leader differed to that of a robot leader that either approached all fish in the same, non-responsive, way or one that did change its approach behavior randomly, irrespective of the fish's actions. We found that (1) behavioral variability itself appears attractive and that socially competent robots are better leaders which (2) require fewer approach attempts to (3) elicit longer average following behavior than non-competent agents. This work provides evidence that social responsiveness to avoidance reactions plays a role in the social dynamics of guppies. We showcase how social responsiveness can be modeled and tested directly embedded in a living animal model using adaptive, interactive robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Maxeiner
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathis Hocke
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hauke J Moenck
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor H W Gebhardt
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Computational Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Weimar
- Institute of Zoology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lea Musiolek
- Department of Computer Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence 'Science of Intelligence', Technical University of Berlin, Marchstrasse 23, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Krause
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence 'Science of Intelligence', Technical University of Berlin, Marchstrasse 23, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Bierbach
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence 'Science of Intelligence', Technical University of Berlin, Marchstrasse 23, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Landgraf
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence 'Science of Intelligence', Technical University of Berlin, Marchstrasse 23, 10587 Berlin, Germany
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Simon R, Varkevisser J, Mendoza E, Hochradel K, Elsinga R, Wiersma PG, Middelburg E, Zoeter E, Scharff C, Riebel K, Halfwerk W. RoboFinch: A versatile audio‐visual synchronised robotic bird model for laboratory and field research on songbirds. Methods Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Simon
- Department of Ecological Science VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Lab Nuremberg Zoo Nuremberg Germany
| | | | - Ezequiel Mendoza
- Department of Animal Behavior, Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Klaus Hochradel
- Institute of Measurement and Sensor Technology UMIT‐Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology GmbH Hall in Tirol Austria
| | - Rogier Elsinga
- Department of Ecological Science VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Peter G. Wiersma
- Department of Ecological Science VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Esmee Middelburg
- Institute of Biology Leiden Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Eva Zoeter
- Institute of Biology Leiden Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Constance Scharff
- Department of Animal Behavior, Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Institute of Biology Leiden Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Halfwerk
- Department of Ecological Science VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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7
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Nöbel S, Monier M, Villa D, Danchin É, Isabel G. 2-D sex images elicit mate copying in fruit flies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22127. [PMID: 36550183 PMCID: PMC9780341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26252-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the environment is three-dimensional (3-D), humans are able to extract subtle information from two-dimensional (2-D) images, particularly in the domain of sex. However, whether animals with simpler nervous systems are capable of such information extraction remains to be demonstrated, as this ability would suggest a functional generalisation capacity. Here, we performed mate-copying experiments in Drosophila melanogaster using 2-D artificial stimuli. Mate copying occurs when naïve females observe the mating success of potential mates and use that social information to build their own mating preference. By replacing live demonstrations with (i) photos or (ii) simplified images of copulating pairs, we found that even crudely simplified images of sexual intercourse still elicit mate copying, suggesting that Drosophila is able to extract sex-related information even from a degraded image. This new method constitutes a powerful tool to further investigate mate copying in that species and sexual preferences in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Nöbel
- Université Toulouse 1 Capitole and Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), Esplanade de l’Université, 31080 Toulouse Cedex 06, France ,grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XLaboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, IRD, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France ,grid.9018.00000 0001 0679 2801Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Magdalena Monier
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XLaboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, IRD, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - David Villa
- grid.508721.9Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS UMR 5169, Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France
| | - Étienne Danchin
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XLaboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, IRD, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Guillaume Isabel
- grid.508721.9Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS UMR 5169, Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France
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8
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The Tapping Assay: A Simple Method to Induce Fear Responses in Zebrafish. Behav Res Methods 2022; 54:2693-2706. [PMID: 34918220 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish is increasingly employed in behavioral neuroscience as a translationally relevant model organism for human central nervous system disorders. One of the most prevalent CNS disorders representing an unmet medical need is the disorder cluster defined under the umbrella term anxiety disorders. Zebrafish have been shown to respond to a variety of anxiety and fear inducing stimuli and have been suggested for modeling human anxiety. Here, we describe a simple method with which we intend to induce fear/anxiety responses in this species. The method allows us to deliver a visual and lateral line stimulus (vibration or "tapping") to the fish with the use of a moving object, a ball colliding with the side glass of the experimental tank. We describe the hardware construction of the apparatus and the procedure of the behavioral paradigm. We also present data on how zebrafish respond to the tapping. Our results demonstrate that the method induces significant fear/anxiety responses. We argue that the simplicity of the method and the efficiency of the paradigm should make it popular among those who plan to use zebrafish as a tool in anxiety research.
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9
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Thurley K. Naturalistic neuroscience and virtual reality. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:896251. [PMID: 36467978 PMCID: PMC9712202 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.896251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the techniques that became particularly popular in neuroscience over the past few decades. VR experiments feature a closed-loop between sensory stimulation and behavior. Participants interact with the stimuli and not just passively perceive them. Several senses can be stimulated at once, large-scale environments can be simulated as well as social interactions. All of this makes VR experiences more natural than those in traditional lab paradigms. Compared to the situation in field research, a VR simulation is highly controllable and reproducible, as required of a laboratory technique used in the search for neural correlates of perception and behavior. VR is therefore considered a middle ground between ecological validity and experimental control. In this review, I explore the potential of VR in eliciting naturalistic perception and behavior in humans and non-human animals. In this context, I give an overview of recent virtual reality approaches used in neuroscientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Thurley
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, Munich, Germany
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10
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Bovet J, Tognetti A, Pollet TV. Methodological issues when using face prototypes: A case study on the Faceaurus dataset. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2022; 4:e48. [PMID: 37588902 PMCID: PMC10426020 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2022.25] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototype faces, created by averaging faces from several individuals sharing a common characteristic (for example a certain personality trait), can be used for highly informative experimental designs in face research. Although the facial prototype method is both ingenious and useful, we argue that its implementation is associated with three major issues: lack of external validity and non-independence of the units of information, both aggravated by a lack of transparency regarding the methods used and their limitations. Here, we describe these limitations and illustrate our claims with a systematic review of studies creating facial stimuli using the prototypes dataset 'Faceaurus'. We then propose some solutions that can eliminate or reduce these problems. We provide recommendations for future research employing this method on how to produce more generalisable and replicable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bovet
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arnaud Tognetti
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas V. Pollet
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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11
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Miller AE, Hogan BG, Stoddard MC. Color in motion: Generating 3-dimensional multispectral models to study dynamic visual signals in animals. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.983369] [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
Analyzing color and pattern in the context of motion is a central and ongoing challenge in the quantification of animal coloration. Many animal signals are spatially and temporally variable, but traditional methods fail to capture this dynamism because they use stationary animals in fixed positions. To investigate dynamic visual displays and to understand the evolutionary forces that shape dynamic colorful signals, we require cross-disciplinary methods that combine measurements of color, pattern, 3-dimensional (3D) shape, and motion. Here, we outline a workflow for producing digital 3D models with objective color information from museum specimens with diffuse colors. The workflow combines multispectral imaging with photogrammetry to produce digital 3D models that contain calibrated ultraviolet (UV) and human-visible (VIS) color information and incorporate pattern and 3D shape. These “3D multispectral models” can subsequently be animated to incorporate both signaler and receiver movement and analyzed in silico using a variety of receiver-specific visual models. This approach—which can be flexibly integrated with other tools and methods—represents a key first step toward analyzing visual signals in motion. We describe several timely applications of this workflow and next steps for multispectral 3D photogrammetry and animation techniques.
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12
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Zhou L, Liu K, Zhao Y, Cui L, Dong C, Wang Z. Increasing salinization of freshwater limits invasiveness of a live-bearing fish: Insights from behavioral and life-history traits. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119658. [PMID: 35750304 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions and continued salinization of freshwater are two global issues with largely serious ecological consequences. Increasing salinity in freshwater systems, as an environmental stressor, may negatively affect normal life activities in fish. It has been documented that salinity limits the invasive success of alien species by mediating physiological and life-history performances, however, there are few studies on how salinity affects its invasive process via altered behaviors. Using wild-caught invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as animal model, in this study, we asked whether gradual increasing salinity affects behaviors (personality and mate choice decision here), life-history traits, as well as the correlation between them by exposing G. affinis to three levels salinity (freshwater, 10 and 20‰). Results showed that, with increased salinity, male tended to be shyer, less active, less sociable, and reduced desire to mate, and female tended to be shyer, less active and lost preferences for the larger male. Furthermore, across salinity treatments, male exhibited reduced body fat content and rising reproduction allocation, however, pregnant female revealed diametrically opposed trends. In addition, the correlation between life-history traits and behaviors was only identified in pregnant female. It seems that either salinity or life-history traits directly affects mosquitofish behaviors. In summary, our results partially emphasize the harmful consequences of salinity on both life-history traits and behavioral performances. These findings provide a novel perspective on how salinity potentially affect fish fitness via altering personalities, mate choice decisions, as well as body condition, and hence supports the idea that salinity could affect the spread of invasive mosquitofish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shannxi, 712100, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources and Eco-environment, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shannxi, 712100, China
| | - Ling Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shannxi, 712100, China
| | - Chenglong Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shannxi, 712100, China
| | - Zaizhao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shannxi, 712100, China.
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13
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Datteri E, Chaminade T, Romano D. Going Beyond the "Synthetic Method": New Paradigms Cross-Fertilizing Robotics and Cognitive Neuroscience. Front Psychol 2022; 13:819042. [PMID: 35719586 PMCID: PMC9204052 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.819042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In so-called ethorobotics and robot-supported social cognitive neurosciences, robots are used as scientific tools to study animal behavior and cognition. Building on previous epistemological analyses of biorobotics, in this article it is argued that these two research fields, widely differing from one another in the kinds of robots involved and in the research questions addressed, share a common methodology, which significantly differs from the "synthetic method" that, until recently, dominated biorobotics. The methodological novelty of this strategy, the research opportunities that it opens, and the theoretical and technological challenges that it gives rise to, will be discussed with reference to the peculiarities of the two research fields. Some broad methodological issues related to the generalization of results concerning robot-animal interaction to theoretical conclusions on animal-animal interaction will be identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Datteri
- RobotiCSS Lab, Laboratory of Robotics for the Cognitive and Social Sciences, Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Thierry Chaminade
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Donato Romano
- Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, The BioRobotics Institute, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Video playback versus live stimuli to assess quantity discrimination in angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). Behav Res Methods 2021; 54:2433-2444. [PMID: 34918227 PMCID: PMC9579089 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01738-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Video playback is a widely used technique for presentation of visual stimuli in animal behavior research. In the analysis of behavioral responses to social cues, presentation of video recordings of live conspecifics represents a consistently reproducible stimulus. However, video-recordings do not interact with the experimental subject, and thus this stimulus may be inferior in the social context. Here, we evaluated how angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) respond to a video playback of conspecifics versus a live shoal of conspecifics. Using binary choice tests, subjects were presented different stimuli. Time spent close to one versus the other stimulus was considered an index of preference. We found angelfish to prefer a live shoal of conspecifics to an empty tank, and also the video playback of a shoal of conspecifics to a blank screen, although the level of preference in the latter was lower than in the former. These results indicate that video-playback of live conspecifics may be appropriate in angelfish, thus allowing manipulation of specific cues that angelfish may use in quantity discrimination. However, when we directly contrasted a live and a video recorded shoal, both having the same number of members, experimental fish preferred the live shoal. When the choice consisted of a live shoal of four conspecifics versus a video playback of a shoal of nine conspecifics no clear preference emerged. These results imply that video-playback has disadvantages in quantity discrimination studies with angelfish. Exploring procedural and/or technological parameters will verify the suitability of video-recording-based stimulus presentation for future use in angelfish.
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15
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Brady PC, Cummings ME, Gruev V, Hernandez T, Blair S, Vail A, Garcia M. In situ measurements of reef squid polarization patterns using two-dimensional polarization data mapped onto three-dimensional tessellated surfaces. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210703. [PMID: 34814730 PMCID: PMC8611331 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef squids belong to a group reputed for polarization sensitivity, yet polarization patterns of reef squid have not been quantified in situ. To quantify polarization patterns from video polarimetric data, we developed a protocol to map two-dimensional polarization data onto squid-shaped three-dimensional tessellated surfaces. This protocol provided a robust data container used to investigate three-dimensional regions-of-interest, producing data lineouts derived from the squid's geometry. This protocol also extracted polarimeter and squid body orientations and the solar heading from polarization images. When averaged over the solar heading, the ventral midline gave a low degree of polarization (2.4 ± 5.3%), and the area between the ventral and flank midlines had higher values (9.0 ± 5.3%). These averaged data had a large discontinuity in the angle of polarization (AoP) at the mantle's ventral midline (64 ± 55°), with larger discontinuities measured on individual squid. Ray-tracing calculations demonstrated that the AoP pattern was not related to the squid's surface-normal geometry. However, the AoP followed virtual striation axes on the squid's surface oriented 24° to the squid's long axis, similar in angle (27°) to the striations of birefringent collagen fibres documented in other squid species' skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. C. Brady
- Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin School of Biological Sciences, Austin, TX 78712-0128, USA
| | - M. E. Cummings
- Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin School of Biological Sciences, Austin, TX 78712-0128, USA
| | - V. Gruev
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - T. Hernandez
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S. Blair
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - A. Vail
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M. Garcia
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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16
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Josi D, Frommen JG. Through a glass darkly? Divergent reactions of eight Lake Tanganyika cichlid species towards their mirror image in their natural environment. Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Josi
- Department of Natural Sciences Ecology and Environment Research Centre Conservation, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Research Group Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution Division of Behavioural Ecology University of Bern Hinterkappelen Switzerland
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Department of Natural Sciences Ecology and Environment Research Centre Conservation, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Research Group Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution Division of Behavioural Ecology University of Bern Hinterkappelen Switzerland
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17
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Varkevisser JM, Simon R, Mendoza E, How M, van Hijlkema I, Jin R, Liang Q, Scharff C, Halfwerk WH, Riebel K. Adding colour-realistic video images to audio playbacks increases stimulus engagement but does not enhance vocal learning in zebra finches. Anim Cogn 2021; 25:249-274. [PMID: 34405288 PMCID: PMC8940817 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bird song and human speech are learned early in life and for both cases engagement with live social tutors generally leads to better learning outcomes than passive audio-only exposure. Real-world tutor–tutee relations are normally not uni- but multimodal and observations suggest that visual cues related to sound production might enhance vocal learning. We tested this hypothesis by pairing appropriate, colour-realistic, high frame-rate videos of a singing adult male zebra finch tutor with song playbacks and presenting these stimuli to juvenile zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Juveniles exposed to song playbacks combined with video presentation of a singing bird approached the stimulus more often and spent more time close to it than juveniles exposed to audio playback only or audio playback combined with pixelated and time-reversed videos. However, higher engagement with the realistic audio–visual stimuli was not predictive of better song learning. Thus, although multimodality increased stimulus engagement and biologically relevant video content was more salient than colour and movement equivalent videos, the higher engagement with the realistic audio–visual stimuli did not lead to enhanced vocal learning. Whether the lack of three-dimensionality of a video tutor and/or the lack of meaningful social interaction make them less suitable for facilitating song learning than audio–visual exposure to a live tutor remains to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralph Simon
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Ecological Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Nuremberg Zoo, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Ezequiel Mendoza
- Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin How
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Idse van Hijlkema
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rozanda Jin
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Qiaoyi Liang
- Evolution of Sensory Systems, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | | | - Wouter H Halfwerk
- Department of Ecological Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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18
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Sato Y, Kitazaki M, Itakura S, Morita T, Sakuraba Y, Tomonaga M, Hirata S. Great apes' understanding of biomechanics: eye-tracking experiments using three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Primates 2021; 62:735-747. [PMID: 34302253 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-021-00932-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Visual processing of the body movements of other animals is important for adaptive animal behaviors. It is widely known that animals can distinguish articulated animal movements even when they are just represented by points of light such that only information about biological motion is retained. However, the extent to which nonhuman great apes comprehend the underlying structural and physiological constraints affecting each moving body part, i.e., biomechanics, is still unclear. To address this, we examined the understanding of biomechanics in bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), following a previous study on humans (Homo sapiens). Apes underwent eye tracking while viewing three-dimensional computer-generated (CG) animations of biomechanically possible or impossible elbow movements performed by a human, robot, or nonhuman ape. Overall, apes did not differentiate their gaze between possible and impossible movements of elbows. However, some apes looked at elbows for longer when viewing impossible vs. possible robot movements, which indicates that they may have had knowledge of biomechanics and that this knowledge could be extended to a novel agent. These mixed results make it difficult to draw a firm conclusion regarding the extent to which apes understand biomechanics. We discuss some methodological features that may be responsible for the results, as well as implications for future nonhuman animal studies involving the presentation of CG animations or measurement of gaze behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Sato
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanakasekiden, Sakyo, Kyoto, 6068203, Japan.
| | - Michiteru Kitazaki
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempakucho, Toyohashi, Aichi, 441-8580, Japan
| | - Shoji Itakura
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, 4-1-1 Kizugawadai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 6190225, Japan
| | - Tomoyo Morita
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Yoko Sakuraba
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanakasekiden, Sakyo, Kyoto, 6068203, Japan
- Center for Research and Education of Wildlife, Kyoto City Zoo, Okazaki Koen, Okazakihoshojicho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 6068333, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Hirata
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanakasekiden, Sakyo, Kyoto, 6068203, Japan
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19
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Dehmelt FA, Meier R, Hinz J, Yoshimatsu T, Simacek CA, Huang R, Wang K, Baden T, Arrenberg AB. Spherical arena reveals optokinetic response tuning to stimulus location, size, and frequency across entire visual field of larval zebrafish. eLife 2021; 10:63355. [PMID: 34100720 PMCID: PMC8233042 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals have large visual fields, and sensory circuits may sample those regions of visual space most relevant to behaviours such as gaze stabilisation and hunting. Despite this, relatively small displays are often used in vision neuroscience. To sample stimulus locations across most of the visual field, we built a spherical stimulus arena with 14,848 independently controllable LEDs. We measured the optokinetic response gain of immobilised zebrafish larvae to stimuli of different steradian size and visual field locations. We find that the two eyes are less yoked than previously thought and that spatial frequency tuning is similar across visual field positions. However, zebrafish react most strongly to lateral, nearly equatorial stimuli, consistent with previously reported spatial densities of red, green, and blue photoreceptors. Upside-down experiments suggest further extra-retinal processing. Our results demonstrate that motion vision circuits in zebrafish are anisotropic, and preferentially monitor areas with putative behavioural relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian A Dehmelt
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Meier
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julian Hinz
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Takeshi Yoshimatsu
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Clara A Simacek
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ruoyu Huang
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kun Wang
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tom Baden
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Aristides B Arrenberg
- University of Tübingen, Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Buatois A, Nguyen S, Bailleul C, Gerlai R. Colored-Light Preference in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Zebrafish 2021; 18:243-251. [PMID: 34101511 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the zebrafish has been increasingly employed in biomedical neuroscience research due to its numerous evolutionarily conserved features with mammals. Its simple brain and the several molecular tools available for this species make the zebrafish an appealing model to study mechanisms of complex brain functions, including learning and memory. Most learning paradigms developed for the zebrafish have employed visual stimuli as the associative cue. Spontaneous color preference is a potential confound in such studies. It has been analyzed in zebrafish using colored objects, but with conflicting results. It has rarely been explored with colored light, despite the increasing use of computer-generated visual stimuli. Here, we employ a light emitting diode (RGB-system) light-based color preference task in the plus-maze. In two independent experiments, zebrafish were tested in a four-choice or dual-choice condition by using four different-colored lights (red, green, blue and yellow). Our results suggest a light preference hierarchy that depends on context, since yellow was preferred over green in the four-choice condition whereas blue was preferred over all other colors in the two-choice condition. These results are useful for future color-light-based learning experiments in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Buatois
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Samuel Nguyen
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Celine Bailleul
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
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21
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Bian X, Pinilla A, Chandler T, Peters R. Simulations with Australian dragon lizards suggest movement-based signal effectiveness is dependent on display structure and environmental conditions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6383. [PMID: 33737677 PMCID: PMC7973430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85793-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat-specific characteristics can affect signal transmission such that different habitats dictate the optimal signal. One way to examine how the environment influences signals is by comparing changes in signal effectiveness in different habitats. Examinations of signal effectiveness between different habitats has helped to explain signal divergence/convergence between populations and species using acoustic and colour signals. Although previous research has provided evidence for local adaptations and signal divergence in many species of lizards, comparative studies in movement-based signals are rare due to technical difficulties in quantifying movements in nature and ethical restrictions in translocating animals between habitats. We demonstrate herein that these issues can be addressed using 3D animations, and compared the relative performance of the displays of four Australian lizard species in the habitats of each species under varying environmental conditions. Our simulations show that habitats differentially affect signal performance, and an interaction between display and habitat structure. Interestingly, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the signal adapted to the noisier environment does not show an advantage in signal effectiveness, but the noisy habitat was detrimental to the performance of all displays. Our study is one of the first studies for movement-based signals that directly compares signal performance in multiple habitats, and our approach has laid the foundation for future investigations in motion ecology that have been intractable to conventional research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bian
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Angela Pinilla
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Caulfield East, VIC, Australia
| | - Tom Chandler
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Caulfield East, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Peters
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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22
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Male Sexual Preference for Female Swimming Activity in the Guppy ( Poecilia reticulata). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020147. [PMID: 33673367 PMCID: PMC7918064 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mate choice that is based on behavioural traits is a common feature in the animal kingdom. Using the Trinidadian guppy, a species with mutual mate choice, we investigated whether males use female swimming activity-a behavioural trait known to differ consistently among individuals in many species-as a trait relevant for their mate choice. In the first experiment, we assessed male and female activity in an open field test alone (two repeated measures) and afterwards in heterosexual pairs (two repeated measures). In these pairs, we simultaneously assessed males' mating efforts by counting the number of sexual behaviours (courtship displays and copulations). Male and female guppies showed consistent individual differences in their swimming activity when tested both alone and in a pair, and these differences were maintained across both test situations. When controlling for male swimming behaviour and both male and female body size, males performed more courtship displays towards females with higher swimming activity. In a second experiment, we tested for a directional male preference for swimming activity by presenting males video animations of low- and high-active females in a dichotomous choice test. In congruence with experiment 1, we found males to spend significantly more time in association with the high-active female stimulus. Both experiments thus point towards a directional male preference for higher activity levels in females. We discuss the adaptive significance of this preference as activity patterns might indicate individual female quality, health or reproductive state while, mechanistically, females that are more active might be more detectable to males as well.
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23
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Pita D, Fernández-Juricic E. Zebrafish Neighbor Distance Changes Relative to Conspecific Size, Position in the Water Column, and the Horizon: A Video-Playback Experiment. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568752] [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
Many fish form schools and maintain visual contact with their neighbors in a three-dimensional environment. In this study, we assessed whether zebrafish modified their spacing and interaction time in an additive or multiplicative way relative to multiple sources of social information using computer animations. We simultaneously manipulated: (a) the size of the virtual conspecific (as a proxy of social cue magnitude), (b) the position of the virtual conspecific in the water column (as a proxy of the level of perceived risk), and (c) the absence/presence of the visual horizon (as a proxy of depth perception). We found that the size of the virtual conspecific independently affected spacing behavior (zebrafish increased their separation distance as conspecific size increased). However, some of these factors interacted significantly, such that their effects on social behavior depended on each other. For instance, zebrafish increased their separation distance under high risk conditions when the virtual conspecific was larger, but this risk effect disappeared when the conspecific was the same size or smaller, likely to avoid aggression. Also, zebrafish increased their separation distance when depth perception was enhanced under low risk conditions, but the effect of depth perception disappeared under high risk conditions. Overall, we found that certain dimensions of the visual social environment affected zebrafish spacing behavior in different ways, but they did not affect social interaction time. We discuss the implications of these findings for the spatial organization of fish schools.
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24
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Winsor AM, Pagoti GF, Daye DJ, Cheries EW, Cave KR, Jakob EM. What gaze direction can tell us about cognitive processes in invertebrates. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 564:43-54. [PMID: 33413978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Most visually guided animals shift their gaze using body movements, eye movements, or both to gather information selectively from their environments. Psychological studies of eye movements have advanced our understanding of perceptual and cognitive processes that mediate visual attention in humans and other vertebrates. However, much less is known about how these processes operate in other organisms, particularly invertebrates. We here make the case that studies of invertebrate cognition can benefit by adding precise measures of gaze direction. To accomplish this, we briefly review the human visual attention literature and outline four research themes and several experimental paradigms that could be extended to invertebrates. We briefly review selected studies where the measurement of gaze direction in invertebrates has provided new insights, and we suggest future areas of exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Winsor
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Guilherme F Pagoti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Daniel J Daye
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA; Graduate Program in Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Erik W Cheries
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Kyle R Cave
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jakob
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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25
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Korzan WJ, Summers TR, Summers CH. Neural and endocrine responses to social stress differ during actual and virtual aggressive interactions or physiological sign stimuli. Behav Processes 2021; 182:104294. [PMID: 33290833 PMCID: PMC7872145 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural and endocrine responses provide quantitative measures that can be used for discriminating behavioral output analyses. Experimental design differences often make it difficult to compare results with respect to the mechanisms producing behavioral actions. We hypothesize that comparisons of distinctive behavioral paradigms or modification of social signals can aid in teasing apart the subtle differences in animal responses to social stress. Eyespots are a unique sympathetically activated sign stimulus of the lizard Anolis carolinensis that influence aggression and social dominance. Eyespot formation along with measurements of central and plasma monoamines enable comparison of paired male aggressive interactions with those provoked by a mirror image. The results suggest that experiments employing artificial application of sign stimuli in dyadic interactions amplify behavioral, neural and endocrine responses, and foreshorten behavioral interactions compared to those that develop among pairs naturally. While the use of mirrors to induce aggressive behavior produces simulated interactions that appear normal, some behavioral, neural, and endocrine responses are amplified in these experiments as well. In contrast, mirror image interactions also limit the level of certain behavioral and neuroendocrine responses. As true social communication does not occur during interaction with mirror images, rank relationships can never be established. Multiple experimental approaches, such as combining naturalistic social interactions with virtual exchanges and/or manipulation of sign stimuli, can often provide added depth to understanding the motivation, context, and mechanisms that produce specific behaviors. The addition of endocrine and neural measurements helps identify the contributions of specific behavioral elements to the social processes proceeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tangi R Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA.
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26
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Buatois A, Gerlai R. Elemental and Configural Associative Learning in Spatial Tasks: Could Zebrafish be Used to Advance Our Knowledge? Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:570704. [PMID: 33390911 PMCID: PMC7773606 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.570704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial learning and memory have been studied for several decades. Analyses of these processes pose fundamental scientific questions but are also relevant from a biomedical perspective. The cellular, synaptic and molecular mechanisms underlying spatial learning have been intensively investigated, yet the behavioral mechanisms/strategies in a spatial task still pose unanswered questions. Spatial learning relies upon configural information about cues in the environment. However, each of these cues can also independently form part of an elemental association with the specific spatial position, and thus spatial tasks may be solved using elemental (single CS and US association) learning. Here, we first briefly review what we know about configural learning from studies with rodents. Subsequently, we discuss the pros and cons of employing a relatively novel laboratory organism, the zebrafish in such studies, providing some examples of methods with which both elemental and configural learning may be explored with this species. Last, we speculate about future research directions focusing on how zebrafish may advance our knowledge. We argue that zebrafish strikes a reasonable compromise between system complexity and practical simplicity and that adding this species to the studies with laboratory rodents will allow us to gain a better understanding of both the evolution of and the mechanisms underlying spatial learning. We conclude that zebrafish research will enhance the translational relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Buatois
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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27
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Gatto E, Testolin A, Bisazza A, Zorzi M, Lucon-Xiccato T. Poor numerical performance of guppies tested in a Skinner box. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16724. [PMID: 33028916 PMCID: PMC7542150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73851-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that part of the gap in numerical competence between fish and warm-blooded vertebrates might be related to the more efficient procedures (e.g. automated conditioning chambers) used to investigate the former and could be filled by adopting an adapted version of the Skinner box in fish. We trained guppies in a visual numerosity discrimination task, featuring two difficulty levels (3 vs. 5 and 3 vs. 4) and three conditions of congruency between numerical and non-numerical cues. Unexpectedly, guppies trained with the automated device showed a much worse performance compared to previous investigations employing more “ecological” procedures. Statistical analysis indicated that the guppies overall chose the correct stimulus more often than chance; however, their average accuracy did not exceed 60% correct responses. Learning measured as performance improvement over training was significant only for the stimuli with larger numerical difference. Additionally, the target numerosity was selected more often than chance level only for the set of stimuli in which area and number were fully congruent. Re-analysis of prior studies indicate that the gap between training with the Skinner box and with a naturalistic setting was present only for numerical discriminations, but not for colour and shape discriminations. We suggest that applying automated conditioning chambers to fish might increase cognitive load and therefore interfere with achievement of numerosity discriminations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Gatto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Testolin
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Bisazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Zorzi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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28
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A Naturalistic Dynamic Monkey Head Avatar Elicits Species-Typical Reactions and Overcomes the Uncanny Valley. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0524-19.2020. [PMID: 32513660 PMCID: PMC7340843 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0524-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on social perception in monkeys may benefit from standardized, controllable, and ethologically valid renditions of conspecifics offered by monkey avatars. However, previous work has cautioned that monkeys, like humans, show an adverse reaction toward realistic synthetic stimuli, known as the "uncanny valley" effect. We developed an improved naturalistic rhesus monkey face avatar capable of producing facial expressions (fear grin, lip smack and threat), animated by motion capture data of real monkeys. For validation, we additionally created decreasingly naturalistic avatar variants. Eight rhesus macaques were tested on the various videos and avoided looking at less naturalistic avatar variants, but not at the most naturalistic or the most unnaturalistic avatar, indicating an uncanny valley effect for the less naturalistic avatar versions. The avoidance was deepened by motion and accompanied by physiological arousal. Only the most naturalistic avatar evoked facial expressions comparable to those toward the real monkey videos. Hence, our findings demonstrate that the uncanny valley reaction in monkeys can be overcome by a highly naturalistic avatar.
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29
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Didion JE, Smith K, Layne JE. Modifying twisted nematic LCD screens to create dichromatic visual stimuli with LEDs. Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah E. Didion
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Karleigh Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati Cincinnati OH USA
| | - John E. Layne
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati Cincinnati OH USA
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30
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Naik H, Bastien R, Navab N, Couzin ID. Animals in Virtual Environments. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2020; 26:2073-2083. [PMID: 32070970 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2020.2973063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The core idea in an XR (VR/MR/AR) application is to digitally stimulate one or more sensory systems (e.g. visual, auditory, olfactory) of the human user in an interactive way to achieve an immersive experience. Since the early 2000s biologists have been using Virtual Environments (VE) to investigate the mechanisms of behavior in non-human animals including insects, fish, and mammals. VEs have become reliable tools for studying vision, cognition, and sensory-motor control in animals. In turn, the knowledge gained from studying such behaviors can be harnessed by researchers designing biologically inspired robots, smart sensors, and rnulti-agent artificial intelligence. VE for animals is becoming a widely used application of XR technology but such applications have not previously been reported in the technical literature related to XR. Biologists and computer scientists can benefit greatly from deepening interdisciplinary research in this emerging field and together we can develop new methods for conducting fundamental research in behavioral sciences and engineering. To support our argument we present this review which provides an overview of animal behavior experiments conducted in virtual environments.
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31
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LaPlante LH, Delaney S. Male mate choice for a female ornament in a monogamous cichlid fish, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 96:663-668. [PMID: 31944298 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Male ram cichlid, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, spent significantly more time associating with animated female images compared to static images of the same female, indicating that males of the species reliably respond to computer-animated images of conspecific females. Female M. ramirezi temporarily display a pink-coloured belly, and this study showed that males spent significantly more time associating with animated female images displaying a pink-coloured belly compared to animated female images with pink belly colour removed. This is the first study to report male mate choice in M. ramirezi, a neotropical monogamous dwarf cichlid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori H LaPlante
- Department of Biology, Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Samantha Delaney
- Department of Biology, Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
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32
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Dougherty LR. Designing mate choice experiments. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:759-781. [PMID: 32022418 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The important role that mate choice plays in the lives of animals is matched by the large and active research field dedicated to studying it. Researchers work on a wide range of species and behaviours, and so the experimental approaches used to measure animal mate choice are highly variable. Importantly, these differences are often not purely cosmetic; they can strongly influence the measurement of choice, for example by varying the behaviour of animals during tests, the aspects of choice actually measured, and statistical power. Consideration of these effects are important when comparing results among studies using different types of test, or when using laboratory results to predict animal behaviour in natural populations. However, these effects have been underappreciated by the mate choice literature to date. I focus on five key experimental considerations that may influence choice: (i) should mating be allowed to occur, or should a proxy behavioural measure of preference be used instead? (ii) Should subjects be given a choice of options? (iii) Should each subject be tested more than once, either with the same or different stimuli? (iv) When given a choice, how many options should the subject choose between? (v) What form should the experimental stimuli take? I discuss the practical advantages and disadvantages of common experimental approaches, and how they may influence the measurement of mate choice in systematic ways. Different approaches often influence the ability of animals to perceive and compare stimuli presented during tests, or the perceived costs and benefits of being choosy. Given that variation in the design of mate choice experiments is likely unavoidable, I emphasise that there is no single 'correct' approach to measuring choice across species, although ecological relevance is crucial if the aim is to understand how choice acts in natural populations. I also highlight the need for quantitative estimates of the sizes of potentially important effects, without which we cannot make informed design decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam R Dougherty
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7RB, UK
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim G. Frommen
- Division of Behavioural Ecology Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Hinterkappelen Switzerland
- Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
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34
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Abstract
“Face” is a special stimulus in humans and, nonhuman primates, and some other social mammals; that is, they perceive the face differently from the other body parts and other stimuli. In these species, the face conveys much information, so individuals examine the face at first sight rather than other body parts. Similar to mammals, the faces of fish also convey much information, but little is known about whether fish pay attention to the face or face-viewing patterns. Here we document the face-viewing patterns of the cichlid fish Neolamprologus brichardi, which can distinguish between conspecifics based on facial colouration. First, we established a method to identify the point at which subject fish inspected. Fish often fixated in direction to their heads toward the object of attention, suggesting that the extended body axis indicated the attention point. Using this attribute, we examined the point of attention of subject fish presented with photographs of conspecifics and heterospecifics. The results revealed that the fish inspected initially and repeatedly at the face and the duration was longer for the face than other body parts.
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35
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Kozak EC, Uetz GW. Male courtship signal modality and female mate preference in the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata: results of digital multimodal playback studies. Curr Zool 2019; 65:705-711. [PMID: 31857817 PMCID: PMC6911845 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Females must be able to perceive and assess male signals, especially when they occur simultaneously with those of other males. Previous studies show female Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders display receptivity to isolated visual or vibratory courtship signals, but increased receptivity to multimodal courtship. It is unknown whether this is true when females are presented with a choice between simultaneous multimodal and isolated unimodal male courtship. We used digital playback to present females with a choice simulating simultaneous male courtship in different sensory modes without variation in information content: 1) isolated unimodal visual versus vibratory signals; 2) multimodal versus vibratory signals; and 3) multimodal versus visual signals. When choosing between isolated unimodal signals (visual or vibratory), there were no significant differences in orientation latency and number of orientations, approaches or receptive displays directed to either signal. When given a choice between multimodal versus vibratory-only male courtship signals, females were more likely to orient to the multimodal stimulus, and directed significantly more orients, approaches and receptivity behaviors to the multimodal signal. When presented with a choice between multimodal and visual-only signals, there were significantly more orients and approaches to the multimodal signal, but no significant difference in female receptivity. Results suggest that signal modes are redundant and equivalent in terms of qualitative responses, but when combined, multimodal signals quantitatively enhance detection and/or reception. This study confirms the value of testing preference behavior using a choice paradigm, as female preferences may depend on the context (e.g., environmental context and social context) in which they are presented with male signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Kozak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - George W Uetz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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36
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Roberts NS, McCaulley C, Mendelson TC. Validating the use of computer animations in male Etheostoma zonale: a comparison of individual response to live and artificial stimuli. Curr Zool 2019; 65:725-727. [PMID: 31857819 PMCID: PMC6911848 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlyn McCaulley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tamra C Mendelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
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37
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Velkey AJ, Boles J, Betts TK, Kay H, Henenlotter R, Wiens KM. High fidelity: Assessing zebrafish (Danio rerio) responses to social stimuli across several levels of realism. Behav Processes 2019; 164:100-108. [PMID: 31022508 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral assays of zebrafish shoaling have recently been employed to investigate social behavior in zebrafish models of psychiatric disease. Many studies have developed simulated models of conspecifics to serve as alternatives to live shoals in order to examine specific cues that contribute to shoaling behavior. However, no studies have investigated the extent to which zebrafish prefer one stimulus over another when given the choice between two conspecific alternatives (live or simulated). In the present study, we employed a new, four-quadrant choice preference task that allowed zebrafish to swim freely between a live shoal and a motorized mobile shoal, a live shoal and playback of a video-recorded shoal, or a motorized mobile shoal and playback of a video-recorded shoal. Behavior tracking software was used to track subjects' movements in upper and lower quadrants on either side of the test arena. Subjects spent more time near the live shoal, especially in the lower quadrant, and exhibited different swim patterns in response to each simulated conspecific alternative, suggesting that zebrafish prefer a live shoal over models of lower fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Velkey
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Jake Boles
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Taylor K Betts
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Heather Kay
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Henenlotter
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Katie M Wiens
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA, USA.
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38
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Bian X, Chandler T, Pinilla A, Peters RA. Now You See Me, Now You Don't: Environmental Conditions, Signaler Behavior, and Receiver Response Thresholds Interact to Determine the Efficacy of a Movement-Based Animal Signal. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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39
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Halfwerk W, Varkevisser J, Simon R, Mendoza E, Scharff C, Riebel K. Toward Testing for Multimodal Perception of Mating Signals. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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40
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Plath M, Liu K, Umutoni D, Gomes-Silva G, Wei JF, Cyubahiro E, Chen BJ, Sommer-Trembo C. Predator-induced changes of male and female mating preferences: innate and learned components. Curr Zool 2019; 65:305-316. [PMID: 31263489 PMCID: PMC6595919 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While many mating preferences have a genetic basis, the question remains as to whether and how learning/experience can modify individual mate choice decisions. We used wild-caught (predator-experienced) and F1 laboratory-reared (predator-naïve) invasive Western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis from China to test whether mating preferences (assessed in a first mate choice test) would change under immediate predation threat. The same individuals were tested in a second mate choice test during which 1 of 3 types of animated predators was presented: 1) a co-occurring predator, 2) a co-evolved but not currently co-occurring predator, and 3) a non-piscivorous species as control. We compared preference scores derived from both mate choice tests to separate innate from experiential effects of predation. We also asked whether predator-induced changes in mating preferences would differ between sexes or depend on the choosing individual’s personality type and/or body size. Wild-caught fish altered their mate choice decisions most when exposed to the co-occurring predator whereas laboratory-reared individuals responded most to the co-evolved predator, suggesting that both innate mechanisms and learning effects are involved. This behavior likely reduces individuals’ risk of falling victim to predation by temporarily moving away from high-quality (i.e., conspicuous) mating partners. Accordingly, effects were stronger in bolder than shyer, large- compared with small-bodied, and female compared with male focal individuals, likely because those phenotypes face an increased predation risk overall. Our study adds to the growing body of literature appreciating the complexity of the mate choice process, where an array of intrinsic and extrinsic factors interacts during decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Plath
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology in Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Diane Umutoni
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guilherme Gomes-Silva
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Sino-Canadian Center for Environment & Sustainable Development, Department of Geography ("Saude Ambiental"), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jie-Fei Wei
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Eric Cyubahiro
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Bo-Jian Chen
- Department of Basic and Applied Zoology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Carolin Sommer-Trembo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Zoology, University of Basel, Switzerland
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41
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Stoddard MC, Miller AE, Eyster HN, Akkaynak D. I see your false colours: how artificial stimuli appear to different animal viewers. Interface Focus 2018; 9:20180053. [PMID: 30603072 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of artificially coloured stimuli, especially to test hypotheses about sexual selection and anti-predator defence, has been common in behavioural ecology since the pioneering work of Tinbergen. To investigate the effects of colour on animal behaviour, many researchers use paints, markers and dyes to modify existing colours or to add colour to synthetic models. Because colour perception varies widely across species, it is critical to account for the signal receiver's vision when performing colour manipulations. To explore this, we applied 26 typical coloration products to different types of avian feathers. Next, we measured the artificially coloured feathers using two complementary techniques-spectrophotometry and digital ultraviolet--visible photography-and modelled their appearance to mammalian dichromats (ferret, dog), trichromats (honeybee, human) and avian tetrachromats (hummingbird, blue tit). Overall, artificial colours can have dramatic and sometimes unexpected effects on the reflectance properties of feathers, often differing based on feather type. The degree to which an artificial colour differs from the original colour greatly depends on an animal's visual system. 'White' paint to a human is not 'white' to a honeybee or blue tit. Based on our analysis, we offer practical guidelines for reducing the risk of introducing unintended effects when using artificial colours in behavioural experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Caswell Stoddard
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Audrey E Miller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Harold N Eyster
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Derya Akkaynak
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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42
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Knorr AG, Gravot CM, Gordy C, Glasauer S, Straka H. I spy with my little eye: a simple behavioral assay to test color sensitivity on digital displays. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.035725. [PMID: 30127095 PMCID: PMC6215414 DOI: 10.1242/bio.035725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive and interactive virtual reality (VR) environments are becoming increasingly popular in the field of behavioral neuroscience. While the technique was originally developed for human observers, corresponding applications have been adopted for the research of visual-driven behavior and neural circuits in animals. RGB color reproduction using red, green and blue primary color pixels is generally calibrated for humans, questioning if the distinct parameters are also readily transferable to other species. In particular, a visual image in the RGB color space has a clearly defined contrast pattern for humans, but this may not necessarily be the case for other mammals or even non-mammalian species, thereby impairing any interpretation of color-related behavioral or neuronal results. Here, we present a simple method to estimate the sensitivity of animals to the three primary colors of digital display devices based on the performance of object motion-driven visuo-motor reflexes and demonstrate differences in the color sensitivity between Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl). This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We present a simple method to estimate an animals’ sensitivity to component colors of RGB images based on visuo-motor reflexes and demonstrate its applicability in Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Knorr
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Großhadern, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 19, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Céline M Gravot
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Clayton Gordy
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Stefan Glasauer
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Großhadern, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 19, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Computational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitätsplatz 1, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Hans Straka
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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43
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Crump A, Arnott G, Bethell EJ. Affect-Driven Attention Biases as Animal Welfare Indicators: Review and Methods. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E136. [PMID: 30087230 PMCID: PMC6115853 DOI: 10.3390/ani8080136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention bias describes the differential allocation of attention towards one stimulus compared to others. In humans, this bias can be mediated by the observer's affective state and is implicated in the onset and maintenance of affective disorders such as anxiety. Affect-driven attention biases (ADABs) have also been identified in a few other species. Here, we review the literature on ADABs in animals and discuss their utility as welfare indicators. Despite a limited research effort, several studies have found that negative affective states modulate attention to negative (i.e., threatening) cues. ADABs influenced by positive-valence states have also been documented in animals. We discuss methods for measuring ADAB and conclude that looking time, dot-probe, and emotional spatial cueing paradigms are particularly promising. Research is needed to test them with a wider range of species, investigate attentional scope as an indicator of affect, and explore the possible causative role of attention biases in determining animal wellbeing. Finally, we argue that ADABs might not be best-utilized as indicators of general valence, but instead to reveal specific emotions, motivations, aversions, and preferences. Paying attention to the human literature could facilitate these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Crump
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Emily J Bethell
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK.
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44
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Bierbach D, Landgraf T, Romanczuk P, Lukas J, Nguyen H, Wolf M, Krause J. Using a robotic fish to investigate individual differences in social responsiveness in the guppy. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181026. [PMID: 30225087 PMCID: PMC6124066 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Responding towards the actions of others is one of the most important behavioural traits whenever animals of the same species interact. Mutual influences among interacting individuals may modulate the social responsiveness seen and thus make it often difficult to study the level and individual variation in responsiveness. Here, open-loop biomimetic robots that provide standardized, non-interactive social cues can be a useful tool. These robots are not affected by the live animal's actions but are assumed to still represent valuable and biologically relevant social cues. As this assumption is crucial for the use of biomimetic robots in behavioural studies, we hypothesized (i) that meaningful social interactions can be assumed if live animals maintain individual differences in responsiveness when interacting with both a biomimetic robot and a live partner. Furthermore, to study the level of individual variation in social responsiveness, we hypothesized (ii) that individual differences should be maintained over the course of multiple tests with the robot. We investigated the response of live guppies (Poecilia reticulata) when allowed to interact either with a biomimetic open-loop-controlled fish robot-'Robofish'-or with a live companion. Furthermore, we investigated the responses of live guppies when tested three times with Robofish. We found that responses of live guppies towards Robofish were weaker compared with those of a live companion, most likely as a result of the non-interactive open-loop behaviour of Robofish. Guppies, however, were consistent in their individual responses between a live companion and Robofish, and similar individual differences in response towards Robofish were maintained over repeated testing even though habituation to the test environment was detectable. Biomimetic robots like Robofish are therefore a useful tool for the study of social responsiveness in guppies and possibly other small fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bierbach
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Landgraf
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Computer Science, Arnimallee 7, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Romanczuk
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Thaer Institute, Hinter d. Reinhardtstr. 8-18, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Lukas
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Thaer Institute, Hinter d. Reinhardtstr. 8-18, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hai Nguyen
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Wolf
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Krause
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Thaer Institute, Hinter d. Reinhardtstr. 8-18, Berlin, Germany
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Chen BJ, Liu K, Zhou LJ, Gomes-Silva G, Sommer-Trembo C, Plath M. Personality differentially affects individual mate choice decisions in female and male Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197197. [PMID: 29763435 PMCID: PMC5953439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Consistent individual differences in behavioral tendencies (animal personality) can affect individual mate choice decisions. We asked whether personality traits affect male and female mate choice decisions similarly and whether potential personality effects are consistent across different mate choice situations. Using western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as our study organism, we characterized focal individuals (males and females) twice for boldness, activity, and sociability/shoaling and found high and significant behavioral repeatability. Additionally, each focal individual was tested in two different dichotomous mate choice tests in which it could choose between computer-animated stimulus fish of the opposite sex that differed in body size and activity levels, respectively. Personality had different effects on female and male mate choice: females that were larger than average showed stronger preferences for large-bodied males with increasing levels of boldness/activity (i.e., towards more proactive personality types). Males that were larger than average and had higher shoaling tendencies showed stronger preferences for actively swimming females. Size-dependent effects of personality on the strength of preferences for distinct phenotypes of potential mating partners may reflect effects of age/experience (especially in females) and social dominance (especially in males). Previous studies found evidence for assortative mate choice based on personality types or hypothesized the existence of behavioral syndromes of individuals’ choosiness across mate choice criteria, possibly including other personality traits. Our present study exemplifies that far more complex patterns of personality-dependent mate choice can emerge in natural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-jian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Kai Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Lin-jun Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
| | - Guilherme Gomes-Silva
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
- Department of Geography (“Saude Ambiental”), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolin Sommer-Trembo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Plath
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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Zimmer C, Riesch R, Jourdan J, Bierbach D, Arias-Rodriguez L, Plath M. Female Choice Undermines the Emergence of Strong Sexual Isolation between Locally Adapted Populations of Atlantic Mollies ( Poecilia mexicana). Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E232. [PMID: 29724050 PMCID: PMC5977172 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050232] [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: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Divergent selection between ecologically dissimilar habitats promotes local adaptation, which can lead to reproductive isolation (RI). Populations in the Poecilia mexicana species complex have independently adapted to toxic hydrogen sulfide and show varying degrees of RI. Here, we examined the variation in the mate choice component of prezygotic RI. Mate choice tests across drainages (with stimulus males from another drainage) suggest that specific features of the males coupled with a general female preference for yellow color patterns explain the observed variation. Analyses of male body coloration identified the intensity of yellow fin coloration as a strong candidate to explain this pattern, and common-garden rearing suggested heritable population differences. Male sexual ornamentation apparently evolved differently across sulfide-adapted populations, for example because of differences in natural counterselection via predation. The ubiquitous preference for yellow color ornaments in poeciliid females likely undermines the emergence of strong RI, as female discrimination in favor of own males becomes weaker when yellow fin coloration in the respective sulfide ecotype increases. Our study illustrates the complexity of the (partly non-parallel) pathways to divergence among replicated ecological gradients. We suggest that future work should identify the genomic loci involved in the pattern reported here, making use of the increasing genomic and transcriptomic datasets available for our study system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zimmer
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Rüdiger Riesch
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, D-63571 Gelnhausen, Germany.
| | - David Bierbach
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, D-12587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lenin Arias-Rodriguez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), 86150 Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | - Martin Plath
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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47
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Fangmeier ML, Noble DW, O'Dea RE, Usui T, Lagisz M, Hesselson D, Nakagawa S. Computer Animation Technology in Behavioral Sciences: A Sequential, Automatic, and High-Throughput Approach to Quantifying Personality in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish 2018; 15:206-210. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Fangmeier
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel W.A. Noble
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rose E. O'Dea
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Takuji Usui
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
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Bierbach D, Lukas J, Bergmann A, Elsner K, Höhne L, Weber C, Weimar N, Arias-Rodriguez L, Mönck HJ, Nguyen H, Romanczuk P, Landgraf T, Krause J. Insights into the Social Behavior of Surface and Cave-Dwelling Fish ( Poecilia mexicana) in Light and Darkness through the Use of a Biomimetic Robot. Front Robot AI 2018; 5:3. [PMID: 33500890 PMCID: PMC7805783 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2018.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic robots (BRs) are becoming more common in behavioral research and, if they are accepted as conspecifics, allow for new forms of experimental manipulations of social interactions. Nevertheless, it is often not clear which cues emanating from a BR are actually used as communicative signals and how species or populations with different sensory makeups react to specific types of BRs. We herein present results from experiments using two populations of livebearing fishes that differ in their sensory capabilities. In the South of Mexico, surface-dwelling mollies (Poecilia mexicana) successfully invaded caves and adapted to dark conditions. While almost without pigment, these cave mollies possess smaller but still functional eyes. Although previous studies found cave mollies to show reduced shoaling preferences with conspecifics in light compared to surface mollies, it is assumed that they possess specialized adaptations to maintain some kind of sociality also in their dark habitats. By testing surface- and cave-dwelling mollies with RoboFish, a BR made for use in laboratory experiments with guppies and sticklebacks, we asked to what extent visual and non-visual cues play a role in their social behavior. Both cave- and surface-dwelling mollies followed the BR as well as a live companion when tested in light. However, when tested in darkness, only surface-dwelling fish were attracted by a live conspecific, whereas cave-dwelling fish were not. Neither cave- nor surface-dwelling mollies were attracted to RoboFish in darkness. This is the first study to use BRs for the investigation of social behavior in mollies and to compare responses to BRs both in light and darkness. As our RoboFish is accepted as conspecific by both used populations of the Atlantic molly only under light conditions but not in darkness, we argue that our replica is providing mostly visual cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bierbach
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Lukas
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Thaer Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Bergmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristiane Elsner
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leander Höhne
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Weber
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils Weimar
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, bologna.lab, Q-Team Programm, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lenin Arias-Rodriguez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Hauke J Mönck
- Freie Universität Berlin, FB Mathematik u. Informatik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hai Nguyen
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Romanczuk
- Department of Biology, Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Landgraf
- Freie Universität Berlin, FB Mathematik u. Informatik, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Krause
- Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Thaer Institute, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Bian X, Chandler T, Laird W, Pinilla A, Peters R. Integrating evolutionary biology with digital arts to quantify ecological constraints on vision‐based behaviour. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bian
- Animal Behaviour Group Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Tom Chandler
- Faculty of Information Technology Monash University Caulfield East VIC Australia
| | - Warwick Laird
- Faculty of Information Technology Monash University Caulfield East VIC Australia
| | - Angela Pinilla
- Faculty of Information Technology Monash University Caulfield East VIC Australia
| | - Richard Peters
- Animal Behaviour Group Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne VIC Australia
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50
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Roberts NS, Gumm JM, Mendelson TC. Darter (Percidae: Etheostoma) species differ in their response to video stimuli. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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