The influence of behavioral syndromes on mate preference in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Abstract
Behavioral syndromes consist of suites of correlated behaviors observed in one or more contexts. Social or aggressive contexts are commonly studied, and individuals are categorized based on their behaviors. Consistency of behavioral interactions among individuals forms the social system in group-living organisms and influences phenomena such as mate selection and dominance relationships. I tested for behavioral syndromes in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and assessed female mate preference based on male aggressiveness. I also evaluated mate preference with respect to a female behavioral syndrome. I tested male and female zebrafish for behavioral syndromes by assessing their response to shoals and predators. I also tested for aggressive behavior but only in males. Shoaling and predator responses were estimated as the time males and females spent thrashing (vigorous swimming against the sides of the tank) near (or away from) a shoal or predator. Aggression was estimated based on chase time and number of bites in male-male encounters. Female zebrafish were subsequently allowed to choose between two types of males (e.g., aggressive and unaggressive) to determine their mating preferences. On average, individuals responded more to shoals and less to predators. However, individuals differed in degree of gregariousness and risk-taking behavior, resulting in behavioral syndromes (more gregarious individuals also thrashed more toward predators). Males also differed in level of aggression; however, there was no relationship between aggression and either predator response or shoaling tendency. Although consistent male behaviors could influence mating preferences, I found that females had no preference for either aggressive or unaggressive males; nor was preference related to a female behavioral syndrome. Understanding how individuals in groups interact differently with each other and other species may help to better interpret social dynamics and mating patterns observed in nature.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Howard, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Ecology|Behavioral Sciences
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