The influence of tail autotomy on agonistic behaviour in a territorial salamander

Animal Behaviour
S E Wise, R G Jaeger

Abstract

Assessment of potentially asymmetrical characters (such as fighting ability and resident advantage) is often important in determining the outcome of agonistic interactions. Loss of body parts, a predator defence mechanism used by many animals, may lead to a reduction in fighting ability and may be easily assessed by competitors. We investigated the influence of tail loss on the expression of agonistic behaviour in the territorial red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus. Residents and intruders were matched for body size, and pairs were tested in all combinations of tailed or tailless residents with tailed or tailless intruders. Neither residents nor intruders altered their behaviour based on their own tail condition, but they did alter their behaviour based on the tail condition of their opponents. Intruders showed more aggression or less submission towards tailless residents than towards tailed residents. When contests were between residents and intruders of the same tail condition (both tailed or tailless), intruders were more aggressive towards residents when both were tailless than when both were tailed, indicating that tail loss does not directly hamper aggressive displays. In contests where the asymmetry between residen...Continue Reading

References

Aug 1, 1967·Journal of Morphology·D B Wake, I G Dresner
Nov 12, 1982·Science·S F Fox, M A Rostker

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Citations

Jun 27, 2007·ILAR Journal·Dorcas P O'Rourke
May 8, 2014·Behavioural Processes·Jennifer DeitloffSean P Graham
Jan 28, 2014·The American Naturalist·Mike Mesterton-Gibbons, Stephen M Heap
Jan 10, 2008·PloS One·Vincent DietemannChristian W W Pirk

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