The study of social behavior within animal populations is a - Copy

.docx

School

Kennesaw State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

3004

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by Ultra_Fang_Hawk7 on coursehero.com

Can it be established that anoles exhibit social behavior within their species? The study of social behavior within animal populations is a captivating field of scientific inquiry. This project focuses on the Anolis genus, commonly known as anoles, and their fascinating social interactions. These arboreal lizards exhibit diverse behaviors, making them an intriguing subject for researchers (McMann & Paterson, 2012). One crucial aspect of anole behavior is their inclination towards social proximity or solitude. Understanding whether anoles prefer spending time close to others or exhibit a more solitary lifestyle can reveal the intricacies of their social structures and the factors that influence their behavior (Edwards & Lailvaux, 2012). This project has the objective of closely observing and documenting the daily lives of anoles in different contexts. To achieve this, an ethogram will be used as a tool for cataloging behavior, which will enable us to identify patterns in social interactions. Throughout this journey, my hypotheses will provide valuable guidance for studying the intriguing social dynamics of these creatures. By conducting research, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of their lives in both communal and solitary environments, ultimately shedding light on the intricacies of their behavior. Hypothesis: Do anoles spend more time in close proximity to others or alone? Prediction: Some Individuals will display social behaviors while many will not. Methods: First observation: Ad libitum sampling: On the 18th of October, I conducted ad libitum sampling to understand and familiarize myself with the behavior of the anoles so I could then make my ethogram. I briefly recorded some behaviors of an albino anole i found in front of my door from 10:14 to 10:15 pm. From 5:30 to 7:00 pm on the 19th of October, I went to my backyard and observed a brown anoles' behavior. After both observations, I chose the behavior I saw the most and made descriptions for each. I recorded all behaviors and descriptions in my notebook and used my iPhone to record the times.

Ad Libitum Sampling Behavioral Description Time The individual is seen approaching another individual or is seen in the immediate environment. 10/18: 10:14pm The individual runs to the closest place where it will not be seen, touched, or interacted with. The individual is seen running into a hole/space or squeezing itself into one. The objective is to be out of sight. 10/18: 10:15pm The individual is resting or sleeping alongside something. Both hands and feet are grounded on the surface. The individual is not moving, staying in one place. The individual is resting alone and not interacting with another. 10/19: 5:30pm The individual runs and blends in with the immediate environment/surroundings or rests in an area resembling their skin. 10/19: 6:49pm Ethogram Construction: During ad libitum sampling, I developed a list of specific operational definitions for observed behaviors. The resulting ethogram can be found in the Results section. Second Observation: Focal Sampling: After creating my ethogram from my ad libitum sampling, I chose focal sampling to observe these behaviors further to conclude my hypothesis. During my focal sampling, I recorded two types of Anoles in two parts of the day. I focused on behaviors from my ethogram: rest, hiding, camouflage, and close proximity. Behaviors were recorded as event data, showing the frequency of the above behaviors. I conducted my focal observations in my backyard on December 3 from 12:00 to 12:30 PM. I focused on the two types of anoles most apparent outside my home. I wrote my observations in my notebook and used my phone to document the time of behaviors.

Focal Sampling of Brown Anole Behavior Time Rest 12:03 Rest 12:08 Rest 12:12 Rest 12:23 Hiding 12:28 Later that day, I conducted my second focal sampling. I observed a baby albino anole in front of my house from 8 to 8:30 PM. Focal Sampling of Albino Anole Behavior Time Camouflage 8:01 Rest 8:05 Rest 8:10 Rest 8:18 Rest 8:26 Hiding 8:27 Results: From watching both Anoles at the beginning and end of the day, I did not see any behaviors that would prove that the species displayed social behaviors. The primary behavior I witnessed was rest for the majority of the observation. I only saw hiding; I believe when I got up to go back in or made any movement for them to know I was there. Ethogram: Behavior Definition Rest The individual is resting or sleeping alongside something. Both hands and feet are grounded on the surface. The individual is not moving, staying in one place. The individual is resting alone and not interacting with another. Hiding The individual runs to the closest place where it will not be seen, touched, or interacted with. The individual is seen

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version