Dialects in the alarm calls of black- tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus): A case of cultural diffusion?

Dennis, Patricia A.; Shuster, Stephen M.; Slobodchikoff, C. N.

doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104243

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…Our findings echo the reaction of A. cerana colonies to attack by V. mandarinia , including modification of stop-signal traits when attacked by giant hornets [51,52]. Our studies differed from those in how signal traits were modified, which may reflect signalling nuances revealed during naturally occurring hornet attacks (this study only), geographical differences in predator–prey interactions, or regional alarm signal dialects, as occurs in other animal systems [137–141]. Lastly, we recorded thousands of long, non-antipredator pipes in all treatment scenarios.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 73%

Giant hornet (Vespa soror) attacks trigger frenetic antipredator signalling in honeybee (Apis cerana) colonies

et al. 2021

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Asian honeybees use an impressive array of strategies to protect nests from hornet attacks, although little is understood about how antipredator signals coordinate defences. We compared vibroacoustic signalling and defensive responses of Apis cerana colonies that were attacked by either the group-hunting giant hornet Vespa soror or the smaller, solitary-hunting hornet Vespa velutina . Apis cerana colonies produced hisses, brief stop signals and longer pipes under hornet-free conditions. However, hornet-attack stimuli—and V. soror workers in particular—triggered dramatic increases in signalling rates within colonies. Soundscapes were cacophonous when V. soror predators were directly outside of nests, in part because of frenetic production of antipredator pipes, a previously undescribed signal. Antipredator pipes share acoustic traits with alarm shrieks, fear screams and panic calls of primates, birds and meerkats. Workers making antipredator pipes exposed their Nasonov gland, suggesting the potential for multimodal alarm signalling that warns nestmates about the presence of dangerous hornets and assembles workers for defence. Concurrent observations of nest entrances showed an increase in worker activities that support effective defences against giant hornets. Apis cerana workers flexibly employ a diverse alarm repertoire in response to attack attributes, mirroring features of sophisticated alarm calling in socially complex vertebrates.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 73%

Giant hornet (Vespa soror) attacks trigger frenetic antipredator signalling in honeybee (Apis cerana) colonies

et al. 2021

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“…Black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) are known to exhibit specific alarm calls in response to different predators and juveniles learn through exposure to adults in the community (Shier and Owing 2007; Frederikson and Slobodchikoff 2010). More recently, Dennis et al (2020) reported that black-tailed prairie dog colonies more than 30 km from each other exhibit distinct dialects in alarm calls. Furthermore, differences between populations were positively correlated with distance, such that the farther colonies were from each other, the greater the difference in acoustic properties (Dennis et al 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recently, Dennis et al (2020) reported that black-tailed prairie dog colonies more than 30 km from each other exhibit distinct dialects in alarm calls. Furthermore, differences between populations were positively correlated with distance, such that the farther colonies were from each other, the greater the difference in acoustic properties (Dennis et al 2020). This suggests cultural differences in acoustic properties of alarm calls that are learned and transmitted locally.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, there is strong evidence for geographic variability of prairie dog alarm calls at local and regional scales (Slobodchikoff et al 1998; Perla and Slobodchikoff 2002). More recently, Dennis et al (2020) reported that black-tailed prairie dog colonies more than 30 km from each other exhibit distinct alarm call dialects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recently, Dennis et al (2020) reported that black-tailed prairie dog colonies more than 30 km from each other exhibit distinct alarm call dialects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Snake Herders: Novel anti-predator behavior by black-tailed prairie dogs in response to prairie rattlesnakes

Verdolin

Peterson

Bledsoe

2022

Preprint

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Local cultural adaptation through social transmission can act as a selective force that can influence behavior. We describe a case of a unique antipredator behavior sequence in response to rattlesnakes observed in a population of black-tailed prairie dogs in Fort Collins, Colorado. An analysis of 5 independent opportunistic video recordings of 6 identifiable individuals revealed individuals across multiple social groups within the population engaged in the unique sequence. We describe the behavioral sequence, compare the behaviors with previously published accounts, and propose a pathway whereby novel behavioral traits can be transmitted across social groups. Our findings also provide a preliminary assessment as to whether prairie dogs in this population are manipulating snakes by utilizing behaviors that capitalize on their sensory modalities.

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Snake herders: novel anti-predator behavior by black-tailed prairie dogs in response to prairie rattlesnakes

Verdolin,

Bledsoe

2023

J Ethol

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Dialects in the alarm calls of black- tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus): A case of cultural diffusion?

Cited by 6 publications

References 44 publications

Giant hornet (Vespa soror) attacks trigger frenetic antipredator signalling in honeybee (Apis cerana) colonies

Giant hornet (Vespa soror) attacks trigger frenetic antipredator signalling in honeybee (Apis cerana) colonies

Snake Herders: Novel anti-predator behavior by black-tailed prairie dogs in response to prairie rattlesnakes

Snake herders: novel anti-predator behavior by black-tailed prairie dogs in response to prairie rattlesnakes

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