The Experts below are selected from a list of 42081 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Phillip A Morin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
structure and phylogeography of two tropical predators spinner stenella longirostris and pantropical spotted s attenuata Dolphins from snp data
Royal Society Open Science, 2018Co-Authors: Matthew S Leslie, Phillip A MorinAbstract:Little is known about global patterns of genetic connectivity in pelagic Dolphins, including how circumtropical pelagic Dolphins spread globally following the rapid and recent radiation of the subfamily delphininae. In this study, we tested phylogeographic hypotheses for two circumtropical species, the spinner Dolphin ( Stenella longirostris ) and the pantropical spotted Dolphin ( Stenella attenuata ), using more than 3000 nuclear DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each species. Analyses for population structure indicated significant genetic differentiation between almost all subspecies and populations in both species. Bayesian phylogeographic analyses of spinner Dolphins showed deep divergence between Indo-Pacific, Atlantic and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) lineages. Despite high morphological variation, our results show very close relationships between endemic ETP spinner subspecies in relation to global diversity. The dwarf spinner Dolphin is a monophyletic subspecies nested within a major clade of pantropical spinner Dolphins from the Indian and western Pacific Ocean populations. Population-level division among the dwarf spinner Dolphins was detected—with the northern Australia population being very different from that in Indonesia. In contrast to spinner Dolphins, the major boundary for spotted Dolphins is between offshore and coastal habitats in the ETP, supporting the current subspecies-level taxonomy. Comparing these species underscores the different scale at which population structure can arise, even in species that are similar in habitat (i.e. pelagic) and distribution.
Stan A Kuczaj - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
How Selective is Social Learning in Dolphins
International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2012Co-Authors: Stan A Kuczaj, Deirdre Yeater, Lauren HighfillAbstract:Social learning is an important aspect of Dolphin social life and Dolphin behavioral development. Inaddition to vocal social learning, Dolphins discover behaviors for foraging, play, and socialinteractions by observing other members of their social group. But Dolphins neither indiscriminately observe nor mindlessly mimic other Dolphins. To the contrary, Dolphin calves are quite selective intheir choices of who to observe and/or imitate. Calves are most likely to learn foraging behaviorsfrom their mothers, but they are more likely to watch and reproduce the play behaviors of othercalves than the play behaviors of adult Dolphins (including their mothers). But not all calves are equally likely to be good models. Instead, calves are more likely to observe and mimic the behaviorsof other calves that are producing either novel behaviors or more complex forms of behaviors that the observing calf already knows. As a result, there is a general tendency for calves to watch and learn from calves that are older than they are. But differences in age are only part of the story. In fact,Dolphin personality may be more important than Dolphin age in determining the efficacy of a model.
-
A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct Dolphin populations.
Behavioural processes, 2010Co-Authors: Kathleen M Dudzinski, Robin D Paulos, Justin D. Gregg, Stan A KuczajAbstract:Tactile exchanges involving the pectoral fin have been documented in a variety of Dolphin species. Several functions (e.g., social, hygienic) have been offered as possible explanations for when and why Dolphins exchange pectoral fin contacts. In this study, we compared pectoral fin contact between Dolphin dyads from three distinct Dolphin populations: two groups of wild Dolphins; Atlantic spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) from The Bahamas and Indo-Pacific bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from around Mikura Island, Japan; and one group of captive bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) residing at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, Anthony's Key Resort. A number of similarities were observed between the captive and wild groups, including; rates of pectoral fin contact, which Dolphin initiated contact, posture preference, and same-sex rubbing partner preference. Unlike their wild counterparts, however, Dolphins in the captive study group engaged in petting and rubbing at equal rates, females were more likely to contact males, males assumed the various rubbing roles more frequently than females, and calves and juveniles were more likely to be involved in pectoral fin contact exchanges. These results suggest that some aspects of pectoral fin contact behaviour might be common to many Dolphin species, whereas other aspects could be species specific, or could be the result of differing environmental and social conditions.
-
the role of touch in select social interactions of atlantic spotted Dolphin stenella frontalis and indo pacific bottlenose Dolphin tursiops aduncus
Journal of Ethology, 2008Co-Authors: Robin D Paulos, Kathleen M Dudzinski, Stan A KuczajAbstract:In this descriptive study, the potentially communicative functions of non-vocal behaviors produced by two species of Dolphin, Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose (Tursiops aduncus), were examined in the context of three focal events: depart (one or more Dolphins depart company of others), join (two or more Dolphins come together), and contact (Dolphin makes contact with another using a part of its body). These particular events were chosen because they involve interactions between Dolphins and so provide an opportunity to examine possible precursors or antecedents to specific social behaviors. Non-vocal behaviors occurring before and/or after these focal events were documented and analyzed in an attempt to determine if certain behaviors were consistently associated with the departure (depart) or arrival (join) of another Dolphin, or with physical contact (contact) between Dolphins in each species. Touch behaviors were found to be significantly related to each of the three focal events so were examined in further detail. Overall, in comparing species, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose and Atlantic spotted Dolphins in this descriptive study exhibited more similarities than differences in their use of touch behaviors in potentially communicative situations across five broad behavioral contexts. However, a difference in the use of touch behaviors produced before departing or after joining a conspecific was noted. Specifically, the spotted Dolphins were more likely to use contact after joining than before departing, whereas the bottlenose Dolphins were equally likely to use contact in both situations.
-
Does participation in Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs affect bottlenose Dolphin behaviour?
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2005Co-Authors: Marie Trone, Stan A Kuczaj, Moby SolangiAbstract:Abstract The present study quantified the daily (short-term) and monthly (long-term) behavioural repertoires of three Dolphins that participated in Dolphin Interaction Programs with paying guests. Behavioural data were collected over a 6-month period, with Dolphin Interaction Programs occurring daily during the central 4 months. Observations were conducted for 90 min before and 90 min after Dolphin Interaction Programs during the central 4 months, and at corresponding times during the first and last months. Twelve days of such observations were conducted each month. Statistical analyses were conducted on the data obtained from three Social Behaviour categories (Solitary, Dolphin–Dolphin, and Dolphin–Human) and four Behavioural Event categories (Play, Swimming, Orienting, and Motor Movements). Results revealed no short-term or long-term changes in the frequencies of Social Behaviours, and no long-term changes in the frequencies of Behavioural Events. However, there was a significant difference in the short-term frequencies of Play behaviours, with Play being more frequent during the Observation Sessions that followed Dolphin participation in a Dolphin Interaction Program. The increased levels of Play behaviours following Dolphin Interaction Programs were indicative of robust psychological health. Furthermore, the Dolphins continued to voluntarily interact with park visitors, even after interacting with a limited number of guests during Dolphin Interaction Programs. Finally, the lack of observed changes in other behavioural frequencies suggested that engaging in Dolphin Interaction Programs was not detrimental to the participating Dolphins. However, these conclusions should be accepted with caution, given the low statistical power resulting from using only three subjects. In addition, the results should only be generalized to situations where Dolphins partake in a single Dolphin Interaction Program each day.
-
Spontaneous pointing by bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Animal Cognition, 2001Co-Authors: Mark J. Xitco, John D. Gory, Stan A KuczajAbstract:Two bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) participating in a symbolic communication project spontaneously developed behaviors that resembled pointing and gaze alternation. The Dolphins' behavior demonstrated several features reminiscent of referential communicative behavior. It was triadic, involving a signaler, receiver, and referent. It was also indicative, specifying a focus of attention. The Dolphins' points were distinct from the act of attending to or acting on objects. Spontaneous Dolphin pointing was influenced by the presence of a potential receiver, and the distance between that receiver and the Dolphin. These findings suggest that Dolphins are capable of producing referential gestures.
Matthew S Leslie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
structure and phylogeography of two tropical predators spinner stenella longirostris and pantropical spotted s attenuata Dolphins from snp data
Royal Society Open Science, 2018Co-Authors: Matthew S Leslie, Phillip A MorinAbstract:Little is known about global patterns of genetic connectivity in pelagic Dolphins, including how circumtropical pelagic Dolphins spread globally following the rapid and recent radiation of the subfamily delphininae. In this study, we tested phylogeographic hypotheses for two circumtropical species, the spinner Dolphin ( Stenella longirostris ) and the pantropical spotted Dolphin ( Stenella attenuata ), using more than 3000 nuclear DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each species. Analyses for population structure indicated significant genetic differentiation between almost all subspecies and populations in both species. Bayesian phylogeographic analyses of spinner Dolphins showed deep divergence between Indo-Pacific, Atlantic and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) lineages. Despite high morphological variation, our results show very close relationships between endemic ETP spinner subspecies in relation to global diversity. The dwarf spinner Dolphin is a monophyletic subspecies nested within a major clade of pantropical spinner Dolphins from the Indian and western Pacific Ocean populations. Population-level division among the dwarf spinner Dolphins was detected—with the northern Australia population being very different from that in Indonesia. In contrast to spinner Dolphins, the major boundary for spotted Dolphins is between offshore and coastal habitats in the ETP, supporting the current subspecies-level taxonomy. Comparing these species underscores the different scale at which population structure can arise, even in species that are similar in habitat (i.e. pelagic) and distribution.
Denise L Herzing - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
exodus large scale displacement and social adjustments of resident atlantic spotted Dolphins stenella frontalis in the bahamas
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Denise L Herzing, Cindy R Elliser, Bethany N Augliere, Michelle L Green, Adam A. PackAbstract:Over the last 20 years, significant habitat shifts have been documented in some populations of cetaceans. On Little Bahama Bank (LBB) there are sympatric communities of resident Atlantic spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), monitored since 1985. The size and social structure (three clusters: Northern, Central, Southern) have been stable among the spotted Dolphin community with little immigration/emigration, even after large demographic losses (36%) following two major hurricanes in 2004. In 2013 an unprecedented exodus of over 50% (52 individuals) of the spotted Dolphin community was documented. The entire Central cluster and a few Northern and Southern individuals relocated 161 km south to Great Bahama Bank (GBB), also home to two sympatric resident communities of spotted Dolphins and bottlenose Dolphins. During the late summer of 2013 and the summers of 2014 and 2015 both sites were regularly monitored but no former LBB Dolphins returned to LBB. Uncharacteristic matriline splits were observed. Social analyses revealed random associations for those spotted Dolphins and very little integration between spotted Dolphins that moved to GBB (MGBB) and those Dolphin resident to GBB (RGBB). Male alliances among spotted Dolphins were present, with some altered patterns. On LBB, the operational sex ratio (OSR) was reduced (.40 to .25). OSR for MGBB and RGBB Dolphins were similar (.45 and .43). A significant steady decrease in sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a (a proxy for plankton production) occurred on LBB leading up to this exodus. Similar trends were not present over the same period on GBB. The sudden large-scale shift of spotted Dolphins from LBB to GBB in association with the gradual decline in certain environmental factors suggests that a possible "tipping point" was reached in prey availability. This study provides a unique view into social and genetic implications of large-scale displacement of stable Dolphin communities.
-
directionality of sexual activities during mixed species encounters between atlantic spotted Dolphins stenella frontalis and bottlenose Dolphins tursiops truncatus
International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2013Co-Authors: Denise L Herzing, Cindy R ElliserAbstract:In the Bahamas, interspecific groups of Atlantic spotted Dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, have been observed underwater since 1985 on Little Bahama Bank. Mixed-species groups engage in associative behaviors and aggression on a regular basis. Because of their complex cognitive behaviors and large brain encephalization, Dolphins are likely capable of complex social interactions, even between species.Between 1993-2003, 177 Mixed-Species Encounters (MSE) were categorized by the age class of male spotted Dolphins, the ratio of spotted Dolphins to bottlenose Dolphins, behavior as Associative (traveling, babysitting, play) or Aggressive (chases, mounting, head to heads) and by directionality of sexual behavior. The majority (68%) of MSE involved adult spotted Dolphin. Associative behaviors were observed more than aggressive behaviors in groups where no adult male spotted Dolphin, only male calves, or male juvenile spotted Dolphins were present. Aggressive behaviors were observed more frequently than associative behaviors in adult male spotted Dolphin groups. When groups were unbalanced in favor of one species or the other, differences in social interactions occurred. Male spotted Dolphins were never observed attempting to mount male bottlenose Dolphin although they chased them. Despite the larger ratio of male spotted Dolphins to bottlenose Dolphins during MSE, directionality of male-to-male sexual contact was primarily one-way. Male bottlenose Dolphin mounted and copulated with male spotted Dolphins but not the reverse. Opportunities for cross-species mating and hybridization clearly occurred. Male bottlenose Dolphins copulated with female spotted Dolphins and male spotted Dolphins copulated with female bottlenose Dolphins. These sympatric Dolphins in the Bahamas have a complex and dynamic relationship that varies with sex and age and revolves around potential reproductive isolation issues.
-
mixed species associations of striped Dolphins stenella coeruleoalba short beaked common Dolphins delphinus delphis and risso s Dolphins grampus griseus in the gulf of corinth greece mediterranean sea
2002Co-Authors: Alexandros Frantzis, Denise L HerzingAbstract:Surveys to assess cetacean presence were conducted in July 1995 and 1997 in the Gulf of Corinth, which is an almost-enclosed sea in Greece, Eastern Mediterranean. The Dolphin sighting frequencies were high (0.043 sightings/km). Four Dolphin species were encountered: striped Dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), short-beaked common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) and bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenose Dolphins were encountered only once. Thirteen Dolphin sightings were single-species (striped Dolphins) and seven were mixed-species with either two species (striped and common Dolphins in five sightings), or three species (striped, common, and Risso’s Dolphins in two sightings) in the group. In all mixed-species sightings, Risso’s Dolphins and common Dolphins were always and by far the minority species present. To date, no singlespecies groups of Risso’s or short-beaked common Dolphins have been observed in the Gulf of Corinth. Interspecific rake marks on the Risso’s Dolphins, and behaviours observed through video analysis, indicate potentially complex and regular interspecific interactions. Our results support the idea that interspecific interactions between sympatric cetacean species in the area are common, and apparently complex.
Cindy R Elliser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
exodus large scale displacement and social adjustments of resident atlantic spotted Dolphins stenella frontalis in the bahamas
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Denise L Herzing, Cindy R Elliser, Bethany N Augliere, Michelle L Green, Adam A. PackAbstract:Over the last 20 years, significant habitat shifts have been documented in some populations of cetaceans. On Little Bahama Bank (LBB) there are sympatric communities of resident Atlantic spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), monitored since 1985. The size and social structure (three clusters: Northern, Central, Southern) have been stable among the spotted Dolphin community with little immigration/emigration, even after large demographic losses (36%) following two major hurricanes in 2004. In 2013 an unprecedented exodus of over 50% (52 individuals) of the spotted Dolphin community was documented. The entire Central cluster and a few Northern and Southern individuals relocated 161 km south to Great Bahama Bank (GBB), also home to two sympatric resident communities of spotted Dolphins and bottlenose Dolphins. During the late summer of 2013 and the summers of 2014 and 2015 both sites were regularly monitored but no former LBB Dolphins returned to LBB. Uncharacteristic matriline splits were observed. Social analyses revealed random associations for those spotted Dolphins and very little integration between spotted Dolphins that moved to GBB (MGBB) and those Dolphin resident to GBB (RGBB). Male alliances among spotted Dolphins were present, with some altered patterns. On LBB, the operational sex ratio (OSR) was reduced (.40 to .25). OSR for MGBB and RGBB Dolphins were similar (.45 and .43). A significant steady decrease in sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a (a proxy for plankton production) occurred on LBB leading up to this exodus. Similar trends were not present over the same period on GBB. The sudden large-scale shift of spotted Dolphins from LBB to GBB in association with the gradual decline in certain environmental factors suggests that a possible "tipping point" was reached in prey availability. This study provides a unique view into social and genetic implications of large-scale displacement of stable Dolphin communities.
-
directionality of sexual activities during mixed species encounters between atlantic spotted Dolphins stenella frontalis and bottlenose Dolphins tursiops truncatus
International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2013Co-Authors: Denise L Herzing, Cindy R ElliserAbstract:In the Bahamas, interspecific groups of Atlantic spotted Dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, have been observed underwater since 1985 on Little Bahama Bank. Mixed-species groups engage in associative behaviors and aggression on a regular basis. Because of their complex cognitive behaviors and large brain encephalization, Dolphins are likely capable of complex social interactions, even between species.Between 1993-2003, 177 Mixed-Species Encounters (MSE) were categorized by the age class of male spotted Dolphins, the ratio of spotted Dolphins to bottlenose Dolphins, behavior as Associative (traveling, babysitting, play) or Aggressive (chases, mounting, head to heads) and by directionality of sexual behavior. The majority (68%) of MSE involved adult spotted Dolphin. Associative behaviors were observed more than aggressive behaviors in groups where no adult male spotted Dolphin, only male calves, or male juvenile spotted Dolphins were present. Aggressive behaviors were observed more frequently than associative behaviors in adult male spotted Dolphin groups. When groups were unbalanced in favor of one species or the other, differences in social interactions occurred. Male spotted Dolphins were never observed attempting to mount male bottlenose Dolphin although they chased them. Despite the larger ratio of male spotted Dolphins to bottlenose Dolphins during MSE, directionality of male-to-male sexual contact was primarily one-way. Male bottlenose Dolphin mounted and copulated with male spotted Dolphins but not the reverse. Opportunities for cross-species mating and hybridization clearly occurred. Male bottlenose Dolphins copulated with female spotted Dolphins and male spotted Dolphins copulated with female bottlenose Dolphins. These sympatric Dolphins in the Bahamas have a complex and dynamic relationship that varies with sex and age and revolves around potential reproductive isolation issues.
