Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #animbehav2021
Most recents (3)
If I fits I sits: A citizen science investigation into illusory contour susceptibility in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus).
Gabriella E. Smith, Philippe A. Chouinard, @sebyosiere
#AnimBehav2021
#sensoryperception
#IfIFitsISits
Gabriella E. Smith, Philippe A. Chouinard, @sebyosiere
#AnimBehav2021
#sensoryperception
#IfIFitsISits
Affectionately termed “if I fits I sits,” the urge to sit in small spaces is well-known in cats! The reason for this is still unknown but is clearly highly desirable. In fact, cats deprived of shelters will hide behind or underneath boxy objects (@NadineGourkow01 & Fraser, 2006).
The "if I fits I sits" phenomenon is an excellent tool to study visual perception of contours & offers insight into vision in cats! This study explored cats’ susceptibility to the Kanizsa illusion via their tendency to sit in enclosed spaces & determine if they see the illusion!
1/6 As behavioral ecologists, we face a tricky question: We collect data on multiple behaviors that may occur within the same social context, but do the animals also perceive these as the same? And what are the costs of pooling behaviors? doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoa… #AnimBehav2021 
2/6 Pooling 2 behaviors has research benefits like creating a richer dataset for future analyses. But it also carries a risk: by generalizing, we could lose nuances of behaviors that convey important information when considered alone. doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoa… #AnimBehav2021
3/6 Using data on 2 aggressive behaviors in monk parakeets, we developed a 3-step framework to evaluate the implications of pooling behaviors across several social levels. doi.org/10.1093/cz/zoa… #AnimBehav2021
1/6 #AnimBehav2021 APOPO trains @HeroRATs (cricetomys ansorgei) to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis. But what makes a good Hero? Like humans, rats might exhibit unique personalities, which could contribute to their detection behavior and success.
2/6 #AnimBehav2021 @BroeckeBram worked with the @HeroRat team to design a GIANT open-field arena. We tested 25 rats (M & F, varying ages & training experiences). Using films of the rats, we categorized their behavior into categories: anxiety, exploratory, or locomotor.
3/6 Animal personality is reflected by repeatable individual behavior patterns across time and/or contexts. So to measure personality, we assessed each @HeroRATs behavior at 3 different timepoints. #AnimBehav2021
