Physiology modulates social flexibility and collective behaviour in equids and other large ungulates.

ABSTRACT: Though morphologically very similar, equids across the extant species occupy ecological niches that are surprisingly non-overlapping. Occupancy of these distinct niches appears related to subtle physiological and behavioural adaptations which, in turn, correspond to significant differences in the social behaviours and emergent social systems characterizing the different species. Although instances of intraspecific behavioural variation in equids demonstrate that the same body plan can support a range of social structures, each of these morphologically similar species generally shows robust fidelity to its evolved social system. The pattern suggests a subtle relationship between physiological phenotypes and behavioural flexibility. While environmental conditions can vary widely within relat

SUBMITTER: Gersick AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5498301 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature