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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Inter-individual variation and temperature-dependent antipredator behavior in the snake Tomodon dorsatus (Dipsadidae)

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Author(s):
Citadini, Jessyca Michele [1] ; Navas, Carlos Arturo [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Fisiol, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Behavioural Processes; v. 97, p. 11-17, JUL 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Although many studies assessed the influence of temperature on the behavior of ectotermic vertebrates, little attention has been given to interindividual variation in the defensive responses of reptiles. In the present study we investigated the defensive behavior of the snake Tomodon dorsatus, in order to test the hypotheses that (1) individuals differ in their antipredator behavior consistently with the concept of behavioral syndromes, (2) temperature influences the defensive behavior, and (3) these two factors interact with each other. There was significant interindividual variation in defensive behavior, as well as consistently aggressive, passive or evasive behaviors. Temperature influenced aggressiveness, which was slightly higher when body temperature was lower, but this trend was only evident in animals with aggressive disposition. Our results corroborate the hypothesis of interaction between individuality of behavior and temperature-dependent defensive behavior in T. dorsatus. These results, together with results from previous studies, suggest that the evolution of temperature-dependent defensive behavior differs among lineages of ectothermic tetrapods. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: insert SI title. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/57687-0 - Effects of global climate change of the Brazilian fauna: a conservation physiology approach
Grantee:Carlos Arturo Navas Iannini
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 09/04133-0 - The influence of temperature on the defensive behaviour in Tomodon dorsatus (Serpente, Colubridae)
Grantee:Jessyca Michele Citadini
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master