Chapter 12: Ecology of group living and social behavior Flashcards
what are the three main ecological factor for evolution of social behavior?
- where they give birth
- where they forage
- what they eat
Predation risk: whats the difference in groups vs individual avoidance?
- indi: avoidance by deep diving, emit clouds
- dilute predation risks, warnings/alerts/defence
which groups of cetaceans are notorious for group defense?
sperm whales. they circle their weak when predators are around
benefits of group living
- non-socially transmitted parasites (cookie cutter sharks) dilution effects
- cooperative feeding
- environmental factors (warmth, protection)
costs of group living
- socially transmitted parasites (infections, parasite fish)
- competition for limited resources
what is philopatry?
the behavior of remaining in or returning to an individual’s birthplace
why engage in affliative behavior? (friendly)
- strengthens bonds
- mend damaged bonds
- reduce tensions
- need service from another
what are some examples of dolphin affliative behavior?
rub body parts, mutual stroking, fin resting, greeting ceremonies, synchrony
what are some aggressive displays?
growling, open mouth, head jerking, charging, toothrake, headbutting
whats the purpose of sex for fun?
- communication, relationships, bonding
- role dominance, conflict resolution, post-conflict reconciliation
- test social bonds
- play or practice
what group of cetaceans are notoriously matriarchal?
orcas
what is the difference between matriarchal, matrilineal, and matrifocal?
matriarchal: oldest female leads the family, gynocentric society
matrilineal: offspring line of one female
matrifocal: one matriline with a female and her offspring, no offspring dispersal by either gender. focus on women but not necessarily dominated
which group of cetaceans exhibit female bonds, where males rove alone?
sperm whales.
- females co-op care
- female communal feed
- males bachelor groups/old boys clubs
which group of cetaceans have roving male alliances with weaker female-female bonds?
bottlenose dolphins
- male-male bond can be lifelong
- male alliances work alone or with other alliances for female capture
- as strong as mother/offspring bonds
what group of cetaceans display roving with natal kin?
orcas
- bonds btwn mother/son
- bonds btwn bros
- bonds btwn sis/moms
