Revisiting the concept of behavior patterns in animal behavior with an example from food-caching sequences in Wolves (Canis lupus), Coyotes (Canis latrans), and Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

We discuss the history, conceptualization, and relevance of behavior patterns in modern ethology by explaining the evolution of the concepts of fixed action patterns and modal action patterns. We present the movement toward a more flexible concept of natural action sequences with significant degrees...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behavioural Processes
Main Authors: Gadbois, Simon, Sievert, Olivia, Reeve, Catherine, Harrington, F. H., Fentress, J. C.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2015
Subjects:
Online Access:https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/publications/revisiting-the-concept-of-behavior-patterns-in-animal-behavior-with-an-example-from-foodcaching-sequences-in-wolves-canis-lupus-coyotes-canis-latrans-and-red-foxes-vulpes-vulpes(02b34cd7-1666-464e-9331-1e3b1f79c8a8).html
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2014.10.001
http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84920186188&partnerID=8YFLogxK
Description
Summary:We discuss the history, conceptualization, and relevance of behavior patterns in modern ethology by explaining the evolution of the concepts of fixed action patterns and modal action patterns. We present the movement toward a more flexible concept of natural action sequences with significant degrees of (production and expressive) freedom. An example is presented with the food caching behavior of three Canidae species: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyote (Canis latrans) and gray wolf (Canis lupus). Evolutionary, ecological, and neuroecological/neuroethological arguments are presented to explain the difference in levels of complexity and stereotypy between Canis and Vulpes.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Canine Behavior.