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Winner and loser effects are modulated by hormonal states
Ryan L Earley1, Chung-Kai Lu, I-Han Lee
1Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, No, 88, Section 4, Ting-Chou Rd, Taipei 11677, TAIWAN. yuyinghs@ntnu.edu.tw.
Frontiers in Zoology
|February 13, 2013
Summary
Animal contest behavior flexibility is linked to hormone levels. Lower cortisol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone make animals more responsive to winning or losing, influencing future decisions.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Endocrinology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Animals adjust behavior based on recent experiences, including contest outcomes (winner/loser effects).
- These effects are flexible and can be influenced by external factors.
- Previous research suggests individuals with lower perceived fighting ability are more adaptable to new information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if an animal's hormonal state influences its propensity to modify behavior after wins or losses.
- To test the hypothesis that intrinsic hormonal mechanisms modulate winner-loser effects.
Main Methods:
- The study focused on mangrove killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus).
- Behavioral adjustments following wins and losses were observed in relation to hormonal levels.
- Hormonal levels (cortisol, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, estradiol) were measured.
Main Results:
- An individual's propensity to adjust contest decisions after wins and losses depends on its hormonal state.
- Lower levels of cortisol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone correlate with greater receptivity to recent contest experiences, particularly losses.
- These behavioral influences were longer-lasting in individuals with lower hormone levels.
Conclusions:
- Receptivity to winner-loser effects is modulated by an animal's internal hormonal state.
- Hormonal profiles associated with lower aggressiveness and reduced winning probability increase adaptability to win/loss experiences.
- Hormones like cortisol, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, and estradiol do not appear to be the primary mediators of winner-loser effects in this species.
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