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Title: VARIABLES IN THE ONTOGENY OF PREDATORY ATTACK IN THE CAT.
Creator: SLYKER, JONATHAN PAUL., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: An analysis of the variables influencing the ontogeny of predatory attack in the cat was undertaken. Three stages of development were delineated. In Stage I, no interest was shown in the mouse. In Stage II, pursuit, swiping, and bite attempts occured sporadically, but an integrated pattern of attack was not observed. In Stage III, attack was more persistent but remained inefficient, and included both components of approach (visual tracking, approach of the whole body, seizing with the forepaw...
Show moreAn analysis of the variables influencing the ontogeny of predatory attack in the cat was undertaken. Three stages of development were delineated. In Stage I, no interest was shown in the mouse. In Stage II, pursuit, swiping, and bite attempts occured sporadically, but an integrated pattern of attack was not observed. In Stage III, attack was more persistent but remained inefficient, and included both components of approach (visual tracking, approach of the whole body, seizing with the forepaw, and biting) and withdrawal (retraction of head and upper torso, swiping). The latter appeared to produce a "playful" style of attack and to inhibit killing. The role of hunger and movement of the mouse were also evaluated. Latencies to bite were faster when the kitten was food deprived or when given a dead mouse. The latter finding suggests that inefficient "playful" attack is elicited by specific stimulus properties of the prey, rather than being a reflection of a playful "mood."
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Date Issued: 1980
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13999
Subject Headings: Cats, Animal behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Personality Traits in Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella Frontalis): Syndromes and Predictors of Neophilia.
Creator: Skrzypczak, Nathan, Herzing, Denise L., Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Personality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent...
Show morePersonality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent with conspecifics, human researchers, and their mothers, respectively. The surveyed individuals significantly varied positively and negatively from the means of each trait, and no significant difference for any trait was found between males and females, or across time periods. A moderately strong correlation was discovered between two personality traits, boldness and curiousity, suggesting a personality syndrome. The second primary goal was to use the aforementioned baseline to determine if personality traits can be used to predict neophilic behavior specific to human-dolphin communication research. Six of the study subjects were more prone than their peers to engage with the two-way work, and these individuals were more bold—spent less time with their mothers—than the other subjects. This suggests that boldness has some predictive capabilities towards this type of neophilia.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Animal societies, Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Cognition in animals, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: BURROWING AND BURROW-ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOR IN THE DUSKY JAWFISH, OPISTOGNATHUS WHITEHURSTI.
Creator: Thompson, M. John, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Dusky jawfish, Opistognathus whitehursti (Longley), excavate three types of burrows analogous to "open chamber", "under rock", and "erosion hole" burrows seen in 0. aurifrons. Burrow type is determined by substrate conditions at the burrow site. No burrows examined exceeded 15 cm in depth, and all entrance tunnels were lined with coral ruhble or shell fragments. Availability of material to reinforce tunnel and chamber walls is more important in burrow distribution than actual substrate...
Show moreDusky jawfish, Opistognathus whitehursti (Longley), excavate three types of burrows analogous to "open chamber", "under rock", and "erosion hole" burrows seen in 0. aurifrons. Burrow type is determined by substrate conditions at the burrow site. No burrows examined exceeded 15 cm in depth, and all entrance tunnels were lined with coral ruhble or shell fragments. Availability of material to reinforce tunnel and chamber walls is more important in burrow distribution than actual substrate particle size. Dusky jawfish initiate burrow construction using body trunk movements to form a small pit. Mouth burrowing begins when this pit reaches approximately one-third of the fish's body length. Burrows are completed in five to six hours. Within colonies, individuals maintain territories vigorously guarded from conspecifics and smaller fish. Defense actions may escalate through several steps to physical contact. A complex color change accompanies these defense actions. Female dusky jawfish produce egg masses bound together by threads arising on individual eggs.
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Date Issued: 1974
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13674
Subject Headings: Opisthognathidae--Behavior, Burrowing animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Perceptions of animal minds.
Creator: Maurer, Lauren N., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Previous research into people's perceptions of animals suggests that people view animals most favorably when they perceive them as being mentally like humans. This thesis examined whether animals perceived as threatening are still seen to be mentally similar to humans, but more likely to experience mental states associated with anger and aggression. Using three separate measures of people's perceptions of animals, including one designed for this study, it was found that participants did...
Show morePrevious research into people's perceptions of animals suggests that people view animals most favorably when they perceive them as being mentally like humans. This thesis examined whether animals perceived as threatening are still seen to be mentally similar to humans, but more likely to experience mental states associated with anger and aggression. Using three separate measures of people's perceptions of animals, including one designed for this study, it was found that participants did indeed view the mental lives of animals differently when those animals were perceived to be threatening. Examination of the effect of the animal chosen showed that some animals are inherently seen as more threatening and less-human like. The implications of these findings for animal conservation efforts, reduction of human-animal conflict, and anthropomorphism in the study of animal cognition were discussed.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2978987
Subject Headings: Cognition in animals, Human-animal relationships, Animal behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Chimpanzee alarm communications: a zoosemiotic study.
Creator: Raymond, Alyssa M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Evidence for conceptual semantics is well established in monkeys, however this basis of human language is less evident in the great apes. In order to study semantic communications in chimpanzees, I analyzed alarm calls produced towards a blimp as it was flying overhead. I then replayed a set of these alarm calls to the chimps on a different day. The chimps appeared to act in a manner consistent with the presence of the blimp. The calls they produced in response to the playback stimuli were...
Show moreEvidence for conceptual semantics is well established in monkeys, however this basis of human language is less evident in the great apes. In order to study semantic communications in chimpanzees, I analyzed alarm calls produced towards a blimp as it was flying overhead. I then replayed a set of these alarm calls to the chimps on a different day. The chimps appeared to act in a manner consistent with the presence of the blimp. The calls they produced in response to the playback stimuli were nearly identical to the calls that were produced during the actual flyover. Though the data collected were not sufficient to support a definitive claim, it does appear that the chimpanzees of the study have a meaning-laden vocalization for the aerial stimuli. Whether this call is specific to the blimp or generalizable to other aerial threats is yet to be determined.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352278
Subject Headings: Animal communication, Social behavior in animals, Cognition in animals, Chimpanzees, Behavior, Chimpanzees, Psychology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Functional aspects of behavior and morphology in the decorator crab Microphrys Bicornutus (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Mithracidae).
Creator: Salazar, Monique Alexandra, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Masking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins...
Show moreMasking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins when a crab approaches an algal substrate and results in the attachment of algae to hooked setae on the exoskeleton. Once decorated, crabs remain motionless on the substrate until disturbed or until another behavior is initiated. This was confirmed for M. bicornutus, as crabs spent a significant amount of time feeding, remaining motionless, picking, and walking when compared to decorating. Crabs displayed agonistic behaviors during encounters with conspecifics conspecifics. These included both active aggressive behavior and display behavior. Crabs showed a decrease in motility during these encounters, helping maintain dispersed distributions, thereby decreasing intrsapecific encounters in the field. Trials were done to determine the effect of conspecifics, predators and feeding preferences on algal utilization. M. bicornutus showed a significant decrease in the amount of algae used for decoration in the highest density trials (i.e., 4 and 8 crabs). Agonistic displays and aggressive behavior between these crabs likely affected the time available for decorating. Decorated crabs isolated from an algal substrate were more likely to survive in the presence of either of two sympatric fish predators. Thus, being protected by the algal decoration on their exoskeletons. Trials also showed a parallel between algal consumption and algal materials used for decoration. In addition to its protective function, algae used by M. bicornutus for decoration simultaneously serve as short term food supplies for the crabs. Eleven morphologically complex structures were identified and mapped on the exoskeleton. Hooked setae were the primary structures used to attach algae to the crab’s body. Ten additional setal structures were present, including two novel types of setae. On the basis of location and morphological variation exhibited among these latter structures, a primary sensory function may be inferred.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004056
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Camouflage (Biology), Crabs -- Behavior, Marine ecology, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Vocal behavior of captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in a swim program.
Creator: Boege, Deborah Dorothy., Florida Atlantic University, Bourne, Godfrey R.
Abstract/Description: Dolphins emit distinct vocalizations in the contexts of stressful situations, such as when captured in nets. It has been assumed among animal rights groups that the presence of human swimmers causes stress in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stress may be expressed in dolphin vocalizations and the associated visual behaviors before, during, and after swim sessions with humans. Thus, these behaviors were recorded to elucidate quantitative vocal patterns suggestive of...
Show moreDolphins emit distinct vocalizations in the contexts of stressful situations, such as when captured in nets. It has been assumed among animal rights groups that the presence of human swimmers causes stress in captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stress may be expressed in dolphin vocalizations and the associated visual behaviors before, during, and after swim sessions with humans. Thus, these behaviors were recorded to elucidate quantitative vocal patterns suggestive of conspecific stress. Significant differences among vocalization types within sample sessions were found only for whistles between During II and After sessions. Other comparisons indicated no significant differences for vocalization production frequencies between the presence or absence of human swimmers. Additionally, correlations found among the seven vocalization types and all five sample sessions indicated only that one variable, i.e. the presence or absence of human swimmers, was being measured in several different ways (by the different vocalization type production frequencies). Thus, conspecific stress, if indeed it can be measured by vocalization production frequency, does not appear to occur more often in the presence of human swimmers.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15027
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Behavior, Animal sounds, Mammals--Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Moewe, Kelly Kathleen, Florida Atlantic University, Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: This study documented the behavioral development of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas. 45 three-minute video-taped sequences of underwater social behavior (aggression, courtship, play), spanning from 1992 to 1996, were selected for ethological analysis and were broken down into 15 adult, 15 juvenile and 15 mixed age class sequences. Continuous focal sub-group sampling was conducted, and one-tailed Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs were used to test for differences between the...
Show moreThis study documented the behavioral development of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas. 45 three-minute video-taped sequences of underwater social behavior (aggression, courtship, play), spanning from 1992 to 1996, were selected for ethological analysis and were broken down into 15 adult, 15 juvenile and 15 mixed age class sequences. Continuous focal sub-group sampling was conducted, and one-tailed Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs were used to test for differences between the age groups in frequencies of occurrence of: (1) the 7 behavioral categories, and (2) the 8 most frequently performed behavioral events. Juveniles performed significantly more Other behaviors and Attention to Object events than adults, suggesting the importance of play within this social species. A Mann-Whitney U test revealed that within mixed age classes, behaviors were performed within combined-age-class groups more often than within single-age-class groups, suggesting a participatory mode of learning within juveniles.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12832
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins--Behavior, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An underwater analysis of the behavioral development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin calves (birth to 4 years of age).
Creator: Bayer, Jessica Ann., Florida Atlantic University, Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: This investigation is the first to focus on the underwater behaviors and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) mothers and calves. Underwater video recordings of 30 mother/calf pairs, during the calves' first three years of life, and 10 additional videos of four-year-old calves, were analyzed. Behavioral event frequencies were compared to the calf's age bracket (i.e. year-one, two, three and four). Results demonstrate an increase in calf independence in...
Show moreThis investigation is the first to focus on the underwater behaviors and development of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) mothers and calves. Underwater video recordings of 30 mother/calf pairs, during the calves' first three years of life, and 10 additional videos of four-year-old calves, were analyzed. Behavioral event frequencies were compared to the calf's age bracket (i.e. year-one, two, three and four). Results demonstrate an increase in calf independence in year-four shown by a significant reduction in Nursing Act behaviors, significantly more Feeding/Foraging behaviors, and increased behaviors performed in the proximity of individuals other than the mother or alone. No strong evidence was found for increased maternal rejection behaviors near the end of the estimated weaning period. Additionally, results indicate that, for select behaviors, synchronicity may be increasingly expressed over time. Few differences in behavioral frequency and type were observed between calf genders and between mothers of each gender.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12847
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins--Behavior, Parental behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: It's a small world after all: Mapping social space.
Creator: Bonevento, Michael D., Florida Atlantic University, Latane, Bibb
Abstract/Description: This study surveyed over 500 persons. It examined whether the physical distance dimension of our social world or "social space" is still a force in shaping the interaction between people when modern transportation and communication makes interaction with distant others more feasible. Using both oral, and mass interviews, participants were asked to describe the character, frequency of contact, importance, and distance of their contacts within a 24-hour period. As predicted by Latane's (1981)...
Show moreThis study surveyed over 500 persons. It examined whether the physical distance dimension of our social world or "social space" is still a force in shaping the interaction between people when modern transportation and communication makes interaction with distant others more feasible. Using both oral, and mass interviews, participants were asked to describe the character, frequency of contact, importance, and distance of their contacts within a 24-hour period. As predicted by Latane's (1981) social impact theory, the bulk of the relationships occurred at close distances. Over two-thirds of the relationships occurred at distances of 10 niles or less. Relationship type affected the distance, frequency of contact, and importance of relationships significantly. "Partners" had higher frequencies of contact and shorter reported distance than either relatives or friends. A positive relationship between importance and distance seems to indicate that some far contacts can be maintained.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15153
Subject Headings: Interpersonal relations, Social interaction, Spatial behavior, Spatial behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Color variation and associated behavior in the epinepheline groupers, Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean) and M. phenax Jordan and Swain.
Creator: Gilmore, R. G., Jones, Robert S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1992
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3171645
Subject Headings: Groupers, Epinephelus, Marine animals, Animal behavior, Oceanographic submersibles
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The influence of benthic macrophytes on the foraging behavior of pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus).
Creator: Stoner, Allan W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1982
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3331830
Subject Headings: Lagodon rhomboides, Pinfish, Foraging behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE, TESTOSTERONE, AND DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE ON THE MALE AND FEMALE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF THE FEMALE RAT.
Creator: KAPLAN, PETER L., Florida Atlantic University, Singer, Jay J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Twenty-six 75-day-old, ovariectomized Long-Evans female rats were randomly divided into two groups of ten and one group of six animals. The ten Group I Ss received, in consecutive treatment periods, 2 mg progesterone (P-2) daily, 2 mg testosterone propiorate (TP-2) daily, TP-2 daily plus P-2 every fourth day, and P-2 every fourth day. The ten Group II Ss received, in consecutive treatment periods, P-2 every fourth day, and 4 mg dihydrotestosterone (DHT-4) daily plus P-2 every fourth day. Both...
Show moreTwenty-six 75-day-old, ovariectomized Long-Evans female rats were randomly divided into two groups of ten and one group of six animals. The ten Group I Ss received, in consecutive treatment periods, 2 mg progesterone (P-2) daily, 2 mg testosterone propiorate (TP-2) daily, TP-2 daily plus P-2 every fourth day, and P-2 every fourth day. The ten Group II Ss received, in consecutive treatment periods, P-2 every fourth day, and 4 mg dihydrotestosterone (DHT-4) daily plus P-2 every fourth day. Both Groups I and II were tested for female sexual behavior. A significant increase in the lordosis response was observed only in Group I Ss after receiving TP-2 plus P-2 every fourth day. Group III Ss were tested for male sexual behavior after receiving DHT-4 daily. Male sexual behavior increased significantly after DHT-4 treatments. It was concluded that progesterone exerts a facilitatory effect on female sexual behavior only when the Ss have been previously primed with an aromatizable androgen and that dihydrotestosterone is capable of inducing male sexual behavior in female rats.
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Date Issued: 1973
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13576
Subject Headings: Sexual behavior in animals, Hormones, Sex
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON THE MALE AND FEMALE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF THE FEMALE RAT.
Creator: BRADSHAW, WILSON G., Florida Atlantic University, Singer, Jay J.
Abstract/Description: Fourteen 75-day-old female rats of the Long-Evans strain were ovariectomized and divided into two groups of seven. Group I received daily injections of 2mg testosterone propionate (TP) and was tested for male sexual behavior. Group II, in addition to daily injections of TP, also received injections of 1mg progesterone on five of the ten test days. This group was tested for female sexual behavior. TP was found to exert a facilitory effect on both male and female sexual behavior. Female sexual...
Show moreFourteen 75-day-old female rats of the Long-Evans strain were ovariectomized and divided into two groups of seven. Group I received daily injections of 2mg testosterone propionate (TP) and was tested for male sexual behavior. Group II, in addition to daily injections of TP, also received injections of 1mg progesterone on five of the ten test days. This group was tested for female sexual behavior. TP was found to exert a facilitory effect on both male and female sexual behavior. Female sexual behavior was enhanced further when progesterone was administered 4 to 6 hours prior to testing. Progesterone, when injected alone, was found to induce lordosis. It was concluded that TP was first being converted to estrogen and it was the estrogen which was responsible for the increase in female sexual behavior. The fact that progesterone, which enhances estrogen-induced lordosis, also enhances testosterone-induced lordosis supports this position.
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Date Issued: 1973
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13567
Subject Headings: Sexual behavior in animals, Testosterone, Hormones, Sex
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECT OF DORSAL HIPPOCAMPAL LESIONS ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF THE MALE RAT.
Creator: MILLS, JEANNE THERESA, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Performance on three preoperative and three postoperative copulation tests was compared for male rats given dorsal hippocampal, dorsal hippocampal plus cortical, other lesion, and sham lesions. Dorsal hippocampal lesions produced statistically significant changes in the temporal pacing of some components of sexual behavior, i.e. the post-ejaculatory interval, intercopulatory interval, and total test time decreased. Hippocampal plus cortical lesions had no effect on sexual behavior. The...
Show morePerformance on three preoperative and three postoperative copulation tests was compared for male rats given dorsal hippocampal, dorsal hippocampal plus cortical, other lesion, and sham lesions. Dorsal hippocampal lesions produced statistically significant changes in the temporal pacing of some components of sexual behavior, i.e. the post-ejaculatory interval, intercopulatory interval, and total test time decreased. Hippocampal plus cortical lesions had no effect on sexual behavior. The results are interpreted as supporting a model of inhibition in which a sexual inhibitory process is built up concomitantly with the sexual arousal process.
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Date Issued: 1975
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13700
Subject Headings: Hippocampus (Brain), Sexual behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE EFFECT OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR ON HYPOTHALAMIC BIOGENIC AMINE CONCENTRATION IN THE INTACT MALE RAT.
Creator: SCHWARTZ, JODI ANN., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The present study investigated the role of brain serotonin activity in the mediation of masculine sexual behavior in the intact male rat. The results of previous studies suggest a dissociation of the effects of gonadal hormones on central serotonin metabolism and sexual behavior in the male rat. However, serotonin activity was measured some 24 hours after the last test of sexual activity. In the present experiment, animals were assigned to one of five groups, and were sacrificed by...
Show moreThe present study investigated the role of brain serotonin activity in the mediation of masculine sexual behavior in the intact male rat. The results of previous studies suggest a dissociation of the effects of gonadal hormones on central serotonin metabolism and sexual behavior in the male rat. However, serotonin activity was measured some 24 hours after the last test of sexual activity. In the present experiment, animals were assigned to one of five groups, and were sacrificed by decapitation immediately after meeting their respective behavioral criterion. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure concentrations of serotonin and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, in the hypothalamus-preoptic area. Analyses of variance revealed no significant differences in brain serotonin activity as a function of sexual behavior. Results are discussed in the context of the role of biogenic amines in the mediation of masculine sexual behavior in the male rat.
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Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14403
Subject Headings: Biogenic amines, Sexual behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Heading in the right direction: the behavior and brain mechanisms of directional navigation.
Creator: Williams, Sidney Beth., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: The mechanisms that rodents employ to navigate through their environment have been greatly studied. Cognitive mapping theory suggests that animals use distal cues in the environment to navigate to a goal location (place navigation). However, others have found that animals navigate in a particular direction to find a goal (directional navigation). The rodent brain contains head direction cells (HD cells) that discharge according to the head direction of the animal. Navigation by heading...
Show moreThe mechanisms that rodents employ to navigate through their environment have been greatly studied. Cognitive mapping theory suggests that animals use distal cues in the environment to navigate to a goal location (place navigation). However, others have found that animals navigate in a particular direction to find a goal (directional navigation). The rodent brain contains head direction cells (HD cells) that discharge according to the head direction of the animal. Navigation by heading direction is disrupted by lesions of the anterodorsal thalamic nuclei (ADN), many of which are HD cells. Aim 1 tested whether male C57BL/6J mice exhibit direction or place navigation in the Morris water maze. Aim 2 tested the effects of temporary inactivation of the ADN on directional navigation. Together, these data indicate that C57BL/6J mice also exhibit preference for directional navigation and suggest that the ADN may be crucial for this form of spatial navigation.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186774
Subject Headings: Mice as laboratory animals, Animal navigation, Spatial behavior in animals, Cognition in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Social play as a tool for developing social-cognitive skills in a wild population of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).
Creator: Bender, Courtney Elizabeth., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of...
Show moreThe purposes of this dissertation were to identify complex social-cognitive behaviors in a population of wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) using long-term video archives and identify developmental trends in those behaviors. Chapter One analyzed calf behavior during foraging events involving maternal teaching in order to identify mechanisms for sharing information between mother and calf... The calves' behavior was affected by the referencing cues, supporting the presence of joint attention and true teaching behavior....Chapter Two observed the altered benthic foraging behavior of juvenile play groups, in which juveniles took turns chasing the fish and using referencing gestures to reference the position of the fish to other individuals during the chase, despite the ability of these young, independent dolphins to catch fish much more quickly and efficiently alson... The third chapter analyzed social object play in which dolphins passed pieces of seaweed between individuals. The data clarified developmental trends in the play, and suggested social-cognitive abilities needed for participation.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358280
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Cognition in animals, Dolphins, Behavior, Atlantic spotted dolphin
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aggressive Behaviors Of Adult Male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) During Intraspecific And Interspecific Aggressive Interactions.
Creator: Volker, Cassandra L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting,...
Show moreAtlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting, following, and chasing behavioral events were used more during interspecific aggression, while the display behavioral class was used more than the contact behavioral class during intrabut not interspecific aggression. This study showed that spotted dolphins use more energy intensive and risky behaviors when fighting interspecifically. This could result from having to fight and defend females from a larger species, trying to avoid sexual harassment from bottlenose males, or needing to use behaviors that are more overt and easily understood during interspecies communication.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin--Bahamas., Aggressive behavior in animals., Social behavior in animals., Aquatic mammals--Behavior., Predation (Biology), Predatory marine animals--Ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Maternal and alloparental discipline in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Weinpress, Meghan., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Discipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however...
Show moreDiscipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however pursuit behaviors were most often observed. Variables such as age class, sex, and parity were not found to influence how discipline was implemented. The durations of all disciplinary pursuits were under thirty seconds, and successful pursuits had slightly shorter duration than unsuccessful pursuits. Disciplinarian success was not significantly influenced by age class, sex, parity, or behavior used.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361254
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Behavior evolution, Atlantic mammals, Behavior, Parent-child relationships, Social behavior in animals, Discipline of children, Atlantic spotted dolphin
Format: Document (PDF)

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