Effects of Observation: A Study of Captive Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Behavior - Softcover

Eltorai, Adam E. M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3847338811 ISBN 13: 9783847338819

Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are diurnal, omnivorous rodents that live in intricate cities. Black-tailed prairie dog social complexity rivals that of some primates, and, in some respects, resembles the behavior of humans. Due to the rich variety of readily-observable, sophisticated behaviors such as coloniality, infanticide, anti-predator behaviors, kin recognition, cooperation, conflict, and reproductive success, the black-tailed prairie dog is a wonderful model species for the study of behavior. Using a captive population of black-tailed prairie dogs, we were able to quantify the effects of observation on key behaviors. Our findings have potentially significant implications for observational research studies and offer further insights into higher-ordered animal behavior.

About this title

About the Author

Adam E. M. Eltorai is a summa cum laude graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to studying complex animal behavior, he has conducted research in a wide range of medical fields. Adam is currently a medical student at Brown University and lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

About this edition

• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 3847338811
• ISBN 13: 9783847338819
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 60