M. C. Hernández, Á. Navarro-Castilla, A. Piñeiro, G. Silván, J. Illera, I. Barja
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
ABSTRACT Defensive strategies of prey species constitute a key element to survive and maximise biological fitness in natural environments. However, some of the mechanisms underlaying antipredator behaviours are not clear. Despite previous studies had attempted to unravel the relationship between aggressiveness and glucocorticoids (GC), this association remains uncertain. Our study aimed to find an explicit link between the aggressive behaviour in the wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and the GC release. For this, a live-trapping study was conducted in the Montes do Invernadeiro Natural Park (NW Spain). We collected faecal samples from 76 captures to measured free-ranging mice baseline faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) levels using an enzyme immunoassay. Moreover, we determined the aggressive behaviour of each mice by measuring the number of bites perpetrated upon the researcher while handling. Results of the statistical model showed that aggressive behaviour in mice was not explained by FCM concentrations. On the other hand, a better body condition was associated with the individual's aggressiveness. Moreover, it seems that recaptured individuals tended to be more aggressive, probably because previous experience with this life-threatening event improved the individual's defensive performance in order to successfully escape again.
摘要猎物的防御策略是在自然环境中生存和最大限度地提高生物适应性的关键因素。然而,反兴奋剂行为背后的一些机制尚不清楚。尽管先前的研究试图揭示攻击性和糖皮质激素(GC)之间的关系,但这种联系仍然不确定。我们的研究旨在发现木鼠(Apodemus sylvaticus)的攻击行为与GC释放之间的明确联系。为此,在Montes do Invernadeiro自然公园(西班牙西北部)进行了一项活体诱捕研究。我们收集了76次捕获的粪便样本,使用酶免疫测定法测量自由放养小鼠的粪便皮质酮代谢产物(FCM)基线水平。此外,我们通过测量研究人员在处理时被咬的次数来确定每只老鼠的攻击行为。统计模型的结果表明,FCM浓度不能解释小鼠的攻击行为。另一方面,较好的身体状况与个体的攻击性有关。此外,被重新捕获的个体似乎更具攻击性,可能是因为之前经历过这种危及生命的事件,提高了个体的防御能力,从而再次成功逃脱。
期刊介绍:
POLISH JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY (formerly Ekologia polska) publishes original scientific research papers dealing with all aspects of ecology: both fundamental and applied, physiological ecology, evolutionary ecology, ecology of population, community, ecosystem, landscape as well as global ecology. There is no bias regarding taxons, ecosystems or geographical regions.