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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Evolved differences in interaction rules underlie the loss of social behaviors in the Mexican tetra.
Creator: Paz, Alexandra M., Duboué, Erik, Kowalko, Johanna E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Animals display a remarkable variety of social behaviors that are necessary for survival. Despite the importance of social behaviors, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the evolution of such behaviors are largely unknown. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a powerful model for studying how behaviors evolve, including social behavior. A. mexicanus exists as a schooling surface form and a non-schooling cave form. Here we have utilized this model in order to investigate how...
Show moreAnimals display a remarkable variety of social behaviors that are necessary for survival. Despite the importance of social behaviors, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the evolution of such behaviors are largely unknown. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a powerful model for studying how behaviors evolve, including social behavior. A. mexicanus exists as a schooling surface form and a non-schooling cave form. Here we have utilized this model in order to investigate how differences in the behavior of individuals result in differences at the level of emergent group social behaviors. We begin by reviewing how fish have contributed to the study of social behavior in Chapter 1, then continue to dissect differences in the schooling and shoaling behavior of adult surface and cave fish in Chapter 2, and finally address ontogenic differences that result in these differences in Chapter 3. All-in-all this, work reveals how evolution may act on the behavior of individuals to produce differences in relevant group behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014255
Subject Headings: Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Rogers, Cindy A., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: This study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and...
Show moreThis study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and significantly larger with calves. Traveling groups were significantly smaller than feeding or socializing. Mother-calf associations were the strongest. Male-male COAs were low (x = .34), however, some individuals formed strong associations. Female-female COAs were low (x = .35), and affected by female reproductive status. Mixed-gender COAs were significantly lower (x = .31) than same sex associations. Pooled data revealed lower COA values, however, the same trends were evident. The long-term associations revealed from yearly COAs were not seen when data were pooled.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13007
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Bahamas, Social behavior in animals
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: Evidence of social learning mechanisms and teaching behavior of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) by mother dolphins foraging in the presence of calves.
Creator: Bortot, Courtney Elizabeth., Florida Atlantic University, Bjorklund, David F., Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract/Description: The present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the...
Show moreThe present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the mother, but instead the calves were allowed to pursue the prey and were confirmed to have eaten the prey in 3 of the foraging events, even though the calves were still nursing. Additionally, this altered foraging behavior only occurred in the presence of their naive calves. Therefore, the present study may be evidence of teaching as a potential social learning mechanism of foraging behavior by Atlantic spotted dolphins.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13299
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Feeding and feeds, Social behavior in animals, Cetacea--Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Behavioral enrichment of captive black bears (Ursus americanus).
Creator: Gonzalez, Jasmine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: A crucial aspect of captive animal care is enrichment, ranging from simple additions of flora to complicated foraging puzzles. Enrichments are vital in creating an environment for animals that is similar to their wild habitat and eliciting natural behaviors. Enrichment is also used to inhibit unnatural or harmful behaviors, like pacing. Commonly, enrichment techniques are not scientifically tested, and the universality of enrichments is rarely scrutinized. This study explores the universality...
Show moreA crucial aspect of captive animal care is enrichment, ranging from simple additions of flora to complicated foraging puzzles. Enrichments are vital in creating an environment for animals that is similar to their wild habitat and eliciting natural behaviors. Enrichment is also used to inhibit unnatural or harmful behaviors, like pacing. Commonly, enrichment techniques are not scientifically tested, and the universality of enrichments is rarely scrutinized. This study explores the universality of a "Snak'n'Trim", a hollow ball 10 inches in diameter with a 1 inch opening for food items to be inserted into the ball. Four bears, (two male, two female) were observed for ten weeks, five in the summer and five in the winter. Daily observations were made during baseline and enrichment trials. Behavior frequency was calculated and results indicate a significant (p<.01) difference between baseline and enrichment trials, providing evidence for the efficacy of the Snak'n'Trim.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359302, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT3359302
Subject Headings: Captive wild animals, Black bear, Behavior, Black bear, Habitat, Social behavior in animals, Black bear, Effect of human beings on
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)

Title: Intra and interspecies association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and the effects of demographic changes following two major hurricanes.
Creator: Elliser, Cindy Rogers., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Demographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable...
Show moreDemographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable community split into two cohesive units. Preferences in association in relation to reproductive status and sex remained. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. There is a conflict of interest between resident males and females in accepting immigrants and often females find more resistance than males. Long-term analysis of spotted dolphins revealed a community structure defined by long-term site fidelity, natal philopatry of both sexes and three social clusters., Female associations were influenced by reproductive status and social familiarity within clusters. Males formed long-term alliances and shorter-term coalitions. Some movement between clusters occurred. Alliance formation crystallized in adulthood. Mating strategies and sex were the primary factors shaping social structure. Thirty-six percent of the spotted dolphin population was lost after the hurricanes with no influx of immigrants. The spotted dolphin community differed little from long-term analysis, including definitive social clusters and sex preferences. Social cohesion increased within units and across age classes. Some juveniles had associations of alliance level. Loss of individuals resulted in subtle changes in social structure. Interspecies associations reveal striking differences in association patterns between species. Group sizes and re-sightings of spotted dolphins were larger than for bottlenose dolphins, particularly for aggressive encounters., Male alliances and coalitions were prevalent for spotted dolphins, but not for bottlenose dolphins. After the hurricanes lower re-sighting and group sizes for spotted dolphin males and less aggressive behavior documented, indicates a re-structuring period of relationships between the species. This study shows that environmental variations may alter the structure of mammal societies through demographic upheaval and survival of populations may depend on their social structure and the social adaptability of the species.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927313
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Weather, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Parameters impacting the reproductive fitness of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin): interactions between native endocrinology and endocrine-disruptors.
Creator: Homer-Drummond, Sharon M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid...
Show morePersistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355561
Subject Headings: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Health aspects, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals, Environmental toxicology, Marine mammals, Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Association Patterns of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Welsh, Lillian S., Herzing, Denise L., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: This study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The...
Show moreThis study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The associations within and between these social units were analyzed to determine whether the units comprised separate communities. Results indicated that separate communities did not exist. Analysis of association indices of the 26 individuals with known relatives demonstrated that there is preferential association among kin. Also, effects of social segregation based on sex and age class, which are evident in the population as a whole, are absent in kin dyads.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000843
Subject Headings: Dolphins--Bahamas--Geographical distribution, Social behavior in animals--Bahamas
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of genetic population structure, promiscuity, and paternity in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Green, Michelle L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P
Show moreThis study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P < 0.0001 and Fst = 0.04491, P < 0.0001, respectively). Three main social clusters (North, Central, South/Roam) exist on LBB and all clusters were found to be genetically distinct according to microsatellite analyses. Mitochondrial haplotypes revealed North and South/Roam were not differentiated, but Central was different from both. When separated by sex, males were less genetically structured than females. Males showed no evidence of structure according to Ost or Rst., Females of all clusters were differentiated according to microsatellites whereas mtDNA revealed the same pattern in females as was seen for the total population. The structuring patterns of the sexes clearly indicate a pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry for the LBB population. Genetic investigation of mating revealed patterns in the mating system of S. frontalis on LBB. Genotypes of females and offspring were analyzed and revealed that more than two males were required to explain the progeny arrays, indicating promiscuous mating among females. In addition, paternity assessment assigned seven males as fathers to ten of 29 mother-calf pairs. A pattern of reproductive skew according to age was revealed because reproductively successful males were in the oldest age class at the estimated time of conception of the calves., Patterns in social cluster mating revealed that males from the Central cluster sired offspring with females from both the Central and North clusters, while Roaming males sired offspring with South and Central females indicating that males mate within their social cluster or with females from the next closest cluster. The study has important implications for cetacean research, specifically delphinids. Fine-scale population structure and mating patterns of male and female S. frontalis were revealed through noninvasive methodology presenting a valuable genetic framework with which to support ongoing investigations of life history, behavior, communication and social structure.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58004
Subject Headings: Dolphins, Social behavior in animals, Population genetics, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins, Geographical distribution
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synchrony in adult male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) during aggression.
Creator: Myers, Alyson J., Bjorklund, David F., Herzing, Denise L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Psychology
Abstract/Description: Synchrony between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is crucial for successfully fending off bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during interspecies aggression. The present study examined synchrony in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins during aggressive encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Across group size, aggressive behavioral events increased preceding synchrony, peaked during synchrony, and decreased dramatically after synchrony. Although smaller groups ( 10 dolphins),...
Show moreSynchrony between Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) is crucial for successfully fending off bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during interspecies aggression. The present study examined synchrony in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins during aggressive encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Across group size, aggressive behavioral events increased preceding synchrony, peaked during synchrony, and decreased dramatically after synchrony. Although smaller groups (< 10 dolphins) became synchronous more frequently than larger groups (> 10 dolphins), larger groups remained synchronous longer; however, smaller groups exhibited more frequent aggressive behavioral events during synchrony, suggesting that additional aggressive behaviors may be necessary to compensate for the small group size, whereas larger groups may be able to rely on synchrony alone. Disorganized squawk bouts synchronized as physical synchrony began, but only if coupled with escalating aggressive behaviors. The synchrony during aggressive episodes observed in adult Atlantic spotted dolphins can be used as a baseline to determine the process of the development of this critical skill in juveniles.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004454
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Bottle nose dolphin, Bottle nose dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Dolphins, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diversity and selection in the major histocompatibility complex: DQA and immune function in IRL and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Creator: Ferrer, Tatiana., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encodes proteins critical to the vertebrate immune response; therefore MHC diversity is an indicator of population health. I have (1) Isolated exon 2 of the class II gene DQA in Tursiops truncatus in the North Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (n=17), South IRL (n=29) and adjacent Atlantic waters (n=20), (2) assessed genetic variability between groups, (3) developed a method to genotype individuals, (4) typed 11 unique alleles in 66 individuals, (5) detected...
Show moreThe Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encodes proteins critical to the vertebrate immune response; therefore MHC diversity is an indicator of population health. I have (1) Isolated exon 2 of the class II gene DQA in Tursiops truncatus in the North Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (n=17), South IRL (n=29) and adjacent Atlantic waters (n=20), (2) assessed genetic variability between groups, (3) developed a method to genotype individuals, (4) typed 11 unique alleles in 66 individuals, (5) detected geographic patterns of diversity between estuarine and coastal individuals (FST=0.1255, p<0.05), (6) found evidence of positive selection centered in the binding pockets P1, P6 and P9 of the peptide binding region (w=2.08), (7) found that patterns of polymorphism did not closely match patterns of diversity in neutral markers, (8) performed a pilot study with Orcinus orca. The initial findings highlight the need for further comparative work and suggest that silent mutations are not neutral.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362335
Subject Headings: Major histocompatibility complex, Immunogenetics, Molecular genetics, Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Site Fidelity Assessment of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Following Large-Scale Emigration of Sympatric Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
Creator: Kuhn, Sommer L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Two sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled...
Show moreTwo sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled years before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2015) the spotted dolphin emigration. The identified community size and overall residency of the bottlenose dolphins remained similar, although two bottlenose dolphins emigrated over deep water to the site spotted dolphins emigrated. Bottlenose dolphins diurnally fed in shallower water but remained in the same geographic foraging locations. Reasons remain unknown for this depth change, but potential changes in the productivity of primary bottlenose dolphin foraging habitats or reduction of spotted dolphins from shallower depths remain possibilities.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004927
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Bottlenose dolphin--Effect of habitat modification on., Atlantic spotted dolphin--Habitat--Bahamas--Little Bahama Bank., Dolphins--Atlantic Ocean--Geographical distribution., Social behavior in animals.
Format: Document (PDF)

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Social behavior in animals (13)	+ -
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Behavior (4)	+ -
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Cognition in animals (3)	+ -
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Aggressive behavior in animals. (1)	+ -
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thesis (1)	+ -

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