Do alternative reproductive tactics predict problem-solving performance in African striped mice?
Anim Cogn
; 24(4): 703-716, 2021 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33420858
ABSTRACT
In changing environments, animals face unexpected problems to solve. Not all individuals in a population are equally able to solve new problems. It still remains unclear what factors (e.g. age and body condition) influence the propensity of problem solving. We investigated variation in problem-solving performance among males following alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). We studied a free-ranging population of the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). Adult male striped mice can employ 3 ARTs (1) dominant group-living breeders, (2) philopatric living in their natal group, and (3) solitary-living roamers. ARTs in male striped mice reflect differences in competitiveness, sociality and physiology which could influence their problem-solving performance. We tested a total of 48 males in 2 years with two tasks a string-pulling task to reach food and a door-opening task to reach the nest. Since male striped mice differ in personality traits independent of ARTs, we also measured activity, boldness and exploration. In addition, we assessed the association of body condition and age with problem solving. Problem solving was related the interaction of age and ARTs. The younger philopatrics had better performance in a food-extraction task whereas the older breeders were faster at solving the door-opening task. Individual differences in traits related to personality were significant correlates of problem-solving performance pro-active mice (i.e. more active and explorative and bolder) performed better in both tasks. Finally, problem-solving performance was not consistent between the two tasks. Our study provides evidence of correlates of ARTs, age and personality on problem-solving abilities.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Reprodução
/
Comportamento Sexual Animal
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Anim Cogn
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article