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Rats show direct reciprocity when interacting with multiple partners
Nina Kettler1, Manon K Schweinfurth1,2, Michael Taborsky3
1Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstr. 50a, 3032, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
Scientific Reports
|February 6, 2021
Summary
Norway rats demonstrate direct reciprocity with multiple partners. They accurately reciprocate help, showing complex cognitive abilities in social interactions beyond simple dyadic relationships.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Cognitive Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Direct reciprocity, a 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' strategy, is thought to require high cognitive abilities.
- Previous research suggests non-human animals may struggle with direct reciprocity when dealing with multiple partners, potentially opting for simpler strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the decision rules Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) use in direct reciprocity when interacting with multiple partners.
- To determine if Norway rats can maintain direct reciprocity across multiple partners and time delays.
Main Methods:
- A sequential prisoner's dilemma experiment was conducted with Norway rats.
- Focal rats interacted with four different partners over four days, with partners varying in helpfulness.
- On the fifth day, rats had the opportunity to reciprocate help to one of the previous partners.
Main Results:
- Norway rats accurately matched the quantity of help received from previous partners.
- Reciprocity was maintained regardless of the time delay between interactions.
- The decision to reciprocate was not influenced by the immediately preceding interaction.
Conclusions:
- Direct reciprocity is not limited to dyadic interactions in Norway rats.
- Norway rats possess the cognitive capacity to manage direct reciprocity with multiple partners.
- These findings challenge the notion that complex social decision-making in reciprocity is exclusive to primates.
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