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Personality and physiological traits predict contest interactions in Kryptolebias marmoratus
Cheng-Yu Li1, Yung-Che Tseng2, Yu-Ju Chen3
1Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Dr, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Behavioural Processes
|February 3, 2020
Summary
Aggressiveness and testosterone predict contest success in mangrove killifish, while higher cortisol levels indicate a higher likelihood of losing. Post-contest, winning fish showed increased oxygen consumption and cortisol levels.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Physiological ecology
- Behavioral endocrinology
Background:
- Dominance hierarchies are influenced by personality and physiological traits, but findings vary.
- Understanding these relationships is key to explaining contest outcomes in animal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between personality (aggressiveness, boldness) and physiological traits (testosterone, cortisol, oxygen consumption) with contest decisions and performance in mangrove killifish.
- To determine how contest outcomes affect post-contest physiological states.
Main Methods:
- Assessed personality traits through mirror image interaction tests.
- Measured pre- and post-contest levels of testosterone, cortisol, and oxygen consumption rates.
- Observed contest decisions and performance in male mangrove killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus).
Main Results:
- Higher aggressiveness and testosterone levels predicted increased likelihood of attacking and winning contests.
- Elevated cortisol levels were associated with a higher probability of losing contests.
- Post-contest, winners and aggressive individuals exhibited higher oxygen consumption and cortisol levels.
Conclusions:
- Personality and physiological traits are significant predictors of contest behavior and outcomes in mangrove killifish.
- Contest interactions dynamically alter post-contest physiological profiles, influencing subsequent interactions.
- Despite dynamic changes, underlying physiological traits demonstrated consistency throughout the study period.
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