Neophobia in 10 ungulate species-a comparative approach.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Neophobia (the fearful reaction to novel stimuli or situations) has a crucial effect on individual fitness and can vary within and across species. However, the factors predicting this variation are still unclear. In this study, we assessed whether individual characteristics (rank, social integration, sex) and species socio-ecological characteristics (dietary breadth, group size, domestication) predicted variation in neophobia. For this purpose, we conducted behavioral observations and experimental tests on 78 captive individuals belonging to 10 different ungulate species-an ideal taxon to study inter-specific variation in neophobia given their variety in socio-ecological characteristics. Individuals were tested in their social groups by providing them with familiar food, h

SUBMITTER: Schaffer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8219784 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature