Presentation Details
| Sequential analysis of a multimodal signaling strategy in foot-flagging frog aggressive interactions Brigitte Walla1, Morgan O.Beaty1, Doris Preninger2, Lisa A.Mangiamele1. 1Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA.2Vienna Zoo, Vienna Austria |
Abstract
Intrasexual aggression can lead to physical fights and/or injury, therefore to minimize costs many species have evolved signaling displays with which to assess an opponent’s competitive ability. However, how signals from different sensory ‘channels’ (visual, auditory, gestural) contribute to this assessment is not well understood. Here, we conduct a network-based sequential analysis of male aggressive interactions in Staurois parvus, a frog that utilizes a multimodal signaling strategy, to determine when different signals are used and if interactions escalate predictably from low- to high-risk behaviors. We found that interactions did not escalate predictably because of the repeated use of a gestural foot flag signal throughout to de-escalate the conflict. Our results suggest that the foot flag is a low-cost but highly effective signal which induces an agonistic response in the receiver. Our study provides further context for why animals may prioritize certain signals in intrasexual conflicts, as well as what makes a competitive strategy in males who have multiple sensory channels with which to communicate aggression.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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