Impact of Behavioral Differences on Social Network Integration
Advisor Information
Rosemary Strasser
Location
MBSC 304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
6-3-2020 10:30 AM
End Date
6-3-2020 11:45 AM
Abstract
Maintaining social bonds is vital for both physical and mental well-being. Given the importance of social bonds for overall health, it is important to better understand how behavioral differences may impact the integration of an individual into a larger social community. Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) have a social structure similar to humans, making them well-suited for examining factors influencing group-level interactions. Prior to the start of this experiment, zebra finches were screened for their response to a novel object (object neophobia). This trait has been demonstrated to be stable across time within zebra finches and is related to how birds react to stressors. This behavioral data was used to identify highly neophobic and lowly neophobic birds and aviary composition was manipulated with respect to object neophobia. Data on social interactions were recorded for eight days using radio-loggers at the entrance to feeding stations in the aviary. Group composition was then altered to see how focal birds integrated themselves into a new flock. Preliminary results suggest that highly neophobic birds have increased social connectivity when in a group with other highly neophobic birds, compared to when with lowly neophobic birds.
Impact of Behavioral Differences on Social Network Integration
MBSC 304
Maintaining social bonds is vital for both physical and mental well-being. Given the importance of social bonds for overall health, it is important to better understand how behavioral differences may impact the integration of an individual into a larger social community. Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) have a social structure similar to humans, making them well-suited for examining factors influencing group-level interactions. Prior to the start of this experiment, zebra finches were screened for their response to a novel object (object neophobia). This trait has been demonstrated to be stable across time within zebra finches and is related to how birds react to stressors. This behavioral data was used to identify highly neophobic and lowly neophobic birds and aviary composition was manipulated with respect to object neophobia. Data on social interactions were recorded for eight days using radio-loggers at the entrance to feeding stations in the aviary. Group composition was then altered to see how focal birds integrated themselves into a new flock. Preliminary results suggest that highly neophobic birds have increased social connectivity when in a group with other highly neophobic birds, compared to when with lowly neophobic birds.