A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Natal dispersal correlates with behavioral traits that are not consistent across early life stages
Authors: Hoset KS, Ferchaud AL, Dufour F, Mersch D, Cote J, Le Galliard JF
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Publication year: 2011
Journal: Behavioral Ecology
Journal name in source: BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
Journal acronym: BEHAV ECOL
Number in series: 1
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
First page : 176
Last page: 183
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 1045-2249
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arq188
Abstract
Behavioral differences between dispersers and residents have long been recognized in animal species, but it remains unclear whether these dispersal syndromes represent consistent differences over time and in different contexts (i.e., personalities) or short-term changes in behavior during dispersal. We analyzed interindividual differences in sociability (attraction to unfamiliar adult males or females), exploration, and locomotor activity in disperser and resident root voles, Microtus oeconomus. We recorded these behavioral traits in 50 animals before weaning, around weaning age but before dispersal, and after a dispersal test in the field. Dispersing root voles displayed marked social behavior at the youngest age, being more attracted to unfamiliar adult males than residents. Dispersers were also, on average, faster explorers and were more active than residents. However, the observed variation between individuals in terms of social, exploration, and activity behaviors was not consistent over early life stages. These data indicate that behavioral differences between dispersers and residents may be only temporary in some species.
Behavioral differences between dispersers and residents have long been recognized in animal species, but it remains unclear whether these dispersal syndromes represent consistent differences over time and in different contexts (i.e., personalities) or short-term changes in behavior during dispersal. We analyzed interindividual differences in sociability (attraction to unfamiliar adult males or females), exploration, and locomotor activity in disperser and resident root voles, Microtus oeconomus. We recorded these behavioral traits in 50 animals before weaning, around weaning age but before dispersal, and after a dispersal test in the field. Dispersing root voles displayed marked social behavior at the youngest age, being more attracted to unfamiliar adult males than residents. Dispersers were also, on average, faster explorers and were more active than residents. However, the observed variation between individuals in terms of social, exploration, and activity behaviors was not consistent over early life stages. These data indicate that behavioral differences between dispersers and residents may be only temporary in some species.
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