Abstract

Two experiments were conducted with lemmings to determine which of two species, Lemmus trimucronatus and Dicrostonyx groenlandicus, was capable of exercising aggressive social dominance over the other in staged, dyadic encounters, and which was able to outcompete the other for a single shelter. Agonistic behaviour occurred in all dyadic encounters, but dominance was not established by either species. A sequential analysis of encounters revealed that each species had a distinct fighting strategy. In shelter competition, prior residence was a crucial factor in the outcome. However, one species did not completely exclude the other. Further evidence to support species differences in fighting strategies was derived from the shelter experiments. These results are discussed in relation to ecological considerations.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.