Targets and tactics: The analysis of moment-to-moment decision making in animal combat

Pellis, Sergio M.

doi:10.1002/(sici)1098-2337(1997)23:2<107::aid-ab3>3.0.co;2-k

Cited by 45 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…In such cases, additional information, such as that provided by particular signals, are important (Aldis, 1975). Although not invariably unambiguous themselves (Pellis & Pellis, 1996, 1997, in many circumstances, these signals can reduce the uncertainty arising from contact during play (Palagi, 2008(Palagi, , 2009). Specific actions, gestures, gaits, vocalizations, facial expressions, and even odours may communicate the playfulness of a potentially dangerous act (Fagen, 1981;Bekoff, 2001a;Palagi, 2006).…”

Section: Why Communication Is Fundamental For Rough-and-tumble Plmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Chasing-pouncing and lip-smacking are examples of patterns recruited from other functional contexts such as aggression and grooming, respectively. Play bows (Bekoff, 1995), head rotation (Petrů et al, 2009), tickling (van Lawick-Goodall, 1968), vocalizations (Rasa, 1984) and some versions of play faces (Pellis & Pellis, 1997;Palagi, 2008) are patterns that seem to be unique to play (Table 1).…”

Section: Why Communication Is Fundamental For Rough-and-tumble Plmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Attacking animals face the threat of retaliation, as a successful parry can be followed by a counterattack by the original defender (Geist, 1978). To attack effectively while minimizing the likelihood of retaliation, offensive manoeuvres frequently incorporate a defensive component (Pellis, 1997). The situation is different in RT: to remain playful it has to be reciprocal (Altmann, 1962;Dugatkin & Bekoff, 2003).…”

Section: Rt Communication Patterns Recruited From Other Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Infants begin to perform tail-play during the weaning period (6 months; Palagi, Gregorace & Borgognini Tarli, 2002). Analysis of the dynamics of RT in juvenile ringtail lemurs indicates that such play resembles real aggression (Pellis & Pellis, 1997). In a number of species, adult RT has been reported to be rougher, having a greater likelihood of escalation into serious fighting (Fagen, 1981;Pellis, 2002;Palagi & Cordoni, 2012).…”

Section: (3) Non-human Primatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rough‐and‐tumble play as a window on animal communication

et al. 2015

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Rough-and-tumble play (RT) is a widespread phenomenon in mammals. Since it involves competition, whereby one animal attempts to gain advantage over another, RT runs the risk of escalation to serious fighting. Competition is typically curtailed by some degree of cooperation and different signals help negotiate potential mishaps during RT. This review provides a framework for such signals, showing that they range along two dimensions: one from signals borrowed from other functional contexts to those that are unique to play, and the other from purely emotional expressions to highly cognitive (intentional) constructions. Some animal taxa have exaggerated the emotional and cognitive interplay aspects of play signals, yielding admixtures of communication that have led to complex forms of RT. This complexity has been further exaggerated in some lineages by the development of specific novel gestures that can be used to negotiate playful mood and entice reluctant partners. Play-derived gestures may provide new mechanisms by which more sophisticated communication forms can evolve. Therefore, RT and playful communication provide a window into the study of social cognition, emotional regulation and the evolution of communication systems.

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Section: Why Communication Is Fundamental For Rough-and-tumble Plmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Why Communication Is Fundamental For Rough-and-tumble Plmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Rt Communication Patterns Recruited From Other Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: (3) Non-human Primatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rough‐and‐tumble play as a window on animal communication

et al. 2015

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“…Animal defensive behavior falls into two categories: primary defense mechanisms, which work whether or not there is a predator in the vicinity, by decreasing the chance of an encounter with a predator (Kruuk 1972), and secondary defense mechanisms include aggressive behavior as a means to deter predators. A few of these secondary defense strategies include the use of weapons (Wilson 1971;Moore & Wilson 1993), biting (Pellis 1997), and startling the attacker (Edmunds 1974;Grandcolas & Desutter-Grandcolas 1998). Visual displays are generally short in duration, consisting of fast, powerful, and aggressive actions (Grier & Burk 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Phylogeny‐Based Comparison of Tarantula Spider Anti‐Predator Behavior Reveals Correlation of Morphology and Behavior

Blatchford

Walker

Marshall³

2011

Ethology

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We studied anti‐predator strategies in nine species of tarantulas from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Tarantulas in the New World possess urticating hairs which induce inflammation when in contact with vertebrate mucus membranes and skin. In contrast, tarantulas from the Old World lack this defense but are observed to exhibit a much greater willingness to escalate to an active defense when provoked. We had three goals: (1) describe the behaviors exhibited by each taxon in response to two levels of provocation, (2) look for the presence of alternative classes of anti‐predator strategy as predicted by the Old World–New World dichotomy in aggressive defense, and (3) examine the evolution of these behaviors in the context of the phylogeny of the group. We compared the response of nine different mygalomorph spider genera to two levels of aversive stimuli: puffs of air and prodding. We found that the overall structure of the defensive behavior was similar between the different taxa, consisting of fleeing, rearing, striking, and biting. Some genera did exhibit unique behaviors such as stridulating (Hysterocrates) or rocking (Haplopelma and Selenocosmia). We found that the genera from the New World exhibited low levels of escalation in their defense behaviors, while those from the Old World readily escalated to striking and biting. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the possession of urticating hairs is associated with very low levels of active defense behaviors such as striking and biting. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that both the notable levels of aggression displayed by the African taxa tested and the relative passivity of the New World tarantulas each represents a synapomorphy.

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The developmental onset of a rudimentary form of play fighting in C57 mice

Pasztor

1999

Developmental Psychobiology

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Targets and tactics: The analysis of moment-to-moment decision making in animal combat

Cited by 45 publications

References 75 publications

Rough‐and‐tumble play as a window on animal communication

Rough‐and‐tumble play as a window on animal communication

A Phylogeny‐Based Comparison of Tarantula Spider Anti‐Predator Behavior Reveals Correlation of Morphology and Behavior

The developmental onset of a rudimentary form of play fighting in C57 mice

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