Social experience can modify the behavior of adult animals, and this type of behavioral plasticity associated with territorial aggression has been observed in several species including green anole lizards. Previously dominant animals were more aggressive to a novel stimulus in a new context than previously subordinate animals after 10 days of agonistic interaction. This behavioral shift could be beneficial to an animal by increasing survival and/or reproductive success to maximize its fitness. Behavioral modification through social experience can involve alteration in some physiological properties such as variations in hormone titer and hormone receptors. Steroid hormones such as testosterone (T) and corticosterone (Cort) and neurotrasmitters such as arginine vasotocin (AVT) are well known for their association with territorial aggression. Hormonal mechanisms underlying the control of this behavior are, however, context dependent, temporally dynamic, and evolutionarily very diverse. I performed experiments aimed at gaining insights into the proximate mechanisms underlying status-dependent behavioral differences in territorial aggression. First, steroid binding globulins of green anole lizards were analyzed and the presence of androgen-glucocorticoid binding globulins and sex-hormone binding globulins (SHBG) was established. Next, status differences in steroid hormone levels and the temporal pattern of hormone changes were assessed. We found that winners/dominants had elevated total T levels shortly after the onset of fighting and reduced SHBG after 10 days of agonistic interaction. These changes seemed to cause sustained increases in free T levels in winners/dominants throughout 10 days of agonistic interactions. Then, androgen receptor (AR) mRNA density levels were compared in dominant and subordinate animals. The result showed that the preoptic area (POA) and anterior hypothalamus AR mRNA density levels were higher in dominants than subordinates shortly after the agonistic interaction. Lastly, AVT immunoreactive cell counts were compared in dominant and subordinate animals. We found that subordinate animals had reduced AVT immunoreactive cell counts in the POA compared to that of dominants or control males. Findings from this dissertation suggest possible mechanisms that might be responsible for status dependent behavioral differences in territorial aggression: elevation in T and reduction in SHBG capacity, and sustained elevation of AVT immunoreactive cell counts in the POA. / text

This thesis investigated the use of song repertoires during territorial defense of the song sparrow, Melospiza melodia. The functional and adaptive significances of repertoires in the order Passeriformes were reviewed. Within the family Fringillidae, an examination of repertoire size and life history features of different species revealed no significant correlations. / Observations of six neighboring song sparrows yielded information about the relative uses of repertoire-dependent and repertoire-independent mechanisms in coordinated song interactions, as well as in signalling agonistic probabilities. The behavior of song switching, independent of the identities of song types, was found to most effectively perform both types of functions. / A series of playback experiments tested and supported the hypothesis that the song sparrow's rate of switching song types increases with agonistic stimulation. Song versatility, rather than switching rate per se, was found to be an appropriate agonistic stimulus.

The variable plumage characteristics of the sub-adult male cohort of the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) are described. At one extreme of the plumage variation, there are a group of sub-adult males that are indistinguishable from the adult males. These birds can only be correctly aged by cloacal examination for the bursa of Fabricius in the autumn. At the other extreme, approximately 4% of the population are near perfect female-mimics. A simple scoring system based on the interspersion of dark feathers in the epaulet is presented, which permits classification of the sub-adult males into 1 of 6 plumage classes. These epaulet classes are significantly correlated with other traits of the plumage. / Age when entering the prebasic molt, and the physical condition of the sub-adult male may influence the development of the varied plumage characteristics. / The distribution of the plumage characteristics of a population of sub-adult males collected at a major blackbird roost in the province of Quebec is described for birds captured in the fall and spring. The spring plumage characteristics are more variable than the fall, a phenomenon which is not consistent with plumage wear as has been previously reported, but which may be related to a prealternate molt which the birds undergo. The prealternate molt is prevalent in some but not all of the contour feather tracts, and is restricted to females and the sub-adult male cohorts. / An age- and sex-specific spring migration of red-winged blackbirds is examined. Adult males arrive to the spring roosts first, followed by yearling males and then females. A similar pattern of dispersal to the breeding territories is described. Within the subadult male cohort, the birds with the most adult-male like plumage traits arrive at the vernal roosts first. / The characteristics of the prealternate molt and differential spring migration are discussed in relation to the pressures of sexual selection on the respective age and sex cohorts. / The adaptive significance of variable sub-adult male plumages and delayed plumage maturation in passerines is evaluated. Several competing hypotheses have been advanced to describe the phenomenon of delayed plumage maturation. These hypotheses are reviewed, and a test is proposed which unequivocally differentiates between the various alternatives. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)

1. Cost constraints in models of territory size are based on time/activity/laboratory estimates that predict birds using larger territories will incur higher energy costs. The predicted form of the cost constraint may be linear, accelerating or decelerating depending on assumptions inherent in the models. The aim of this study was to assess the reality and form of the cost constraint by making direct measurements of the energy costs of territory use in birds that occupy territories of different size and shape; polygonal territories represented by the robin Erithacus rubecula, and linear by the dipper Cinclus cinclus. Free-living energy expenditure was measured using the doubly-labelled water technique, whilst simultaneously recording patterns of territory use by radio-tracking. 2. Territorial robins concentrated their activity in one or more foraging patches located in bushes. Range polygons containing all the foraging patches used by an individual provided estimates of territory area, and were generally of high eccentricity. A small proportion of robins was classified as non-territorial based on range polygon areas. Furthermore, while territorial robins showed high fidelity to ranges over the short term (days), non-territorial individuals were nomadic. Over the longer term (months), however, some territorial robins showed range drift. Dippers similarly used preferred core regions within ranges, although there was no selection for particular habitat features. 3. Because robins occupied territory polygons which varied from polygonal to highly linear, work was focused on this species to allow intra-specific comparison. Robins tended to commute between foraging patches by flying. It was appropriate, therefore, to describe territories in terms of a number of patches linked by a network of flight paths. This generated two further measures of territory size; the number of patches used and the total flight distance between patches. 4. The robins exploited a renewing food supply. Predictions were tested concerning the temporal scheduling of visits to foraging patches within territories. Patches tended to be separated by flight paths of similar lengths, and were visited in a regular sequence. Although the number of foraging patches used varied, all territories had similar total core areas. Robins using many small foraging patches commuted between patches more often and covered a larger total flight distance during each foraging circuit of the territory. The configurations of foraging patches were used in a highly linear manner. This was true even if the territory containing them was of low eccentricity. 5. Changes in structure and pattern of use varied predictably with territory size, and could be described mathematically. Based on this and published time/activity budgets, a suite of models was developed to predict how energy costs would vary with number of patches used and total flight distance between patches. Models were tested by directly measuring the energy expenditure of robins using different territories. The number of patches used and total flight distance between patches were both significantly correlated with energy expenditure, while territory area was not. One of the models showed a significant fit to the observed data, and suggested that the form of the energy cost constraint on territory size was linear. The effect of territory shape on energy costs was minimal. The implications of these results for models of territory size are discussed. 6. The slope and elevation of the energy cost constraint varied with the morphology of territory occupants. Based on this, an association of morphology with territory size was predicted; robins of lower mass and wing-loading using larger territories. The observed data supported these predictions, and suggested a possible genetic predisposition to particular patterns of territory occupancy in the robin.

Large displays and information kiosks are becoming increasingly common installations in public venues to provide an efficient self-serve means for patrons to access information and/or services. They have evolved over a relatively short period of time from non-digital, non-interactive static displays to more elaborate media-rich digital interactive systems. While the content and purposes of kiosks have changed, they are still largely based on the traditional single-user-driven design paradigm despite the fact that people often venture to these venues in small social groups, i.e., with family and/or friends. This often limits how groups collaborate and forces transactions to be serialized. This thesis explores design constraints for interaction by multiple social groups in parallel on shared large vertical displays. To better understand design requirements for these systems, this research is separated into two parts: a preliminary observational field study and a follow-up controlled study. Using an observational field study, fundamental patterns of how people use existing public displays are studied: their orientation, positioning, group identification, and behaviour within and between social groups just-before, during, and just-after usage. These results are then used to motivate a controlled experiment where two individuals or two pairs of individuals complete tasks concurrently on a low-fidelity large vertical display. Results from the studies demonstrate that vertical surface territories are similar to those found in horizontal tabletops in function, but their definitions and social conventions are different. In addition, the nature of use-while-standing systems results in more complex and dynamic physical territories around the display. We show that the anthropological notion of personal space must be slightly refined for application to vertical displays.

The principal sanctuaries of Attica outside the asty were situated in strategically important positions at the territorial limits of Athens. It will be argued that the sanctuaries placed on the frontiers of Attica were important nodes in the social construction, expression and implementation of Athenian territoriality. Sanctuaries which accommodated polis-level cults outside the urban centre provided the Athenians with a highly visible means of demarcating and communicating the extent of their territorial sovereignty. These religious sites developed in a visually conspicuous manner at a time when the territorial and social boundaries between the Athenians and neighbouring communities were crystallising. From an early stage in the development of the sanctuary sites of Attica, they played an instrumental role in defining the extent of Athenian territory, a space imbued with meaning in terms of claims of sovereignty and membership within the Athenian community. During the Archaic period, the border sanctuaries of Attica and the cults which they accommodated were elaborated, augmenting Athenian claims to contested borderlands and enhancing the prestige of the polis. The relative ranking and status of Athens in her interpolis relations was thereby enhanced, allowing the Athenians to reduce the threat of invasion of the chora. Following the Persian Wars, the sanctuaries continued to disseminate messages of the power and status of Athens, now hegemon of the Delian League. The structures and rites of the border sanctuaries reified the hegemonic power of Athens. When, during the long and bitter conflict of the Peloponnesian War, it became necessary to control the points of access into Athenian territory along the coastline, Rhamnous and Sounion were fortified. In the Late Classical period, the military role of a number of these sanctuaries was institutionalised. Fortification walls were augmented and refurbished and ephebic involvement in rites and festivals attested the close connection between religious and military activity.

The principal sanctuaries of Attica outside the asty were situated in strategically important positions at the territorial limits of Athens. It will be argued that the sanctuaries placed on the frontiers of Attica were important nodes in the social construction, expression and implementation of Athenian territoriality. Sanctuaries which accommodated polis-level cults outside the urban centre provided the Athenians with a highly visible means of demarcating and communicating the extent of their territorial sovereignty. These religious sites developed in a visually conspicuous manner at a time when the territorial and social boundaries between the Athenians and neighbouring communities were crystallising. From an early stage in the development of the sanctuary sites of Attica, they played an instrumental role in defining the extent of Athenian territory, a space imbued with meaning in terms of claims of sovereignty and membership within the Athenian community. During the Archaic period, the border sanctuaries of Attica and the cults which they accommodated were elaborated, augmenting Athenian claims to contested borderlands and enhancing the prestige of the polis. The relative ranking and status of Athens in her interpolis relations was thereby enhanced, allowing the Athenians to reduce the threat of invasion of the chora. Following the Persian Wars, the sanctuaries continued to disseminate messages of the power and status of Athens, now hegemon of the Delian League. The structures and rites of the border sanctuaries reified the hegemonic power of Athens. When, during the long and bitter conflict of the Peloponnesian War, it became necessary to control the points of access into Athenian territory along the coastline, Rhamnous and Sounion were fortified. In the Late Classical period, the military role of a number of these sanctuaries was institutionalised. Fortification walls were augmented and refurbished and ephebic involvement in rites and festivals attested the close connection between religious and military activity.

No description available.

Thesis (PH.D.)--Michigan State University. Zoology Ecology, Evolutionay Biology, and Behavior, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Aug. 11, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-72). Also issued in print.

Entre os projetos mais importantes da Ditadura Militar Brasileira está a abertura da Rodovia Transamazônica (BR-230). Com a justificativa de promover o desenvolvimento regional, o Governo interferiu na organização territorial de diversos povos indígenas da região Norte do país. Esse é o caso dos Parakanã que vivem na Terra Indígena (TI) Parakanã, território tangenciado pela BR-230. O objetivo principal desta dissertação é o processo de transformação da territorialidade indígena Parakanã a partir da consolidação da Rodovia Transamazônica. Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho foi necessário realizar atividades iniciais de gabinete como a compilação de dados bibliográficos, cartográficos e acervo fotográfico, além de atividades de campo no entorno da TI. A organização dos resultados foi realizada através da técnica de pesquisa conhecida como análise de conteúdo. Os Parakanã foram capazes de administrar o contato com os demais atores que chegavam a região do médio Tocantins durante vários anos. No entanto, através das Frentes de Atração da Fundação Nacional do Índio, o Estado aldeou os indígenas que habitavam as proximidades da rodovia. É neste ponto que recai a desterritorialização sobre os Parakanã, eles foram privados dos elementos fundamentais da sua territorialidade, desarticulando os vínculos e as práticas territoriais que haviam construído. A territorialidade Parakanã foi se modificando com a dinâmica da Amazônia brasileira, as reinvindicações para demarcação da TI Parakanã ajudaram na reestruturação territorial dos indígenas no período pós-rodovia. Os povos indígenas têm vínculos diferenciados com a terra, o que permite a flexibilidade no momento de conceber o território. Não existe uma necessidade de posse, é a presença de inimigos, a mobilidade, as roças coletivas, os rituais e etc., que se constituem nos elementos essenciais do território e, consequentemente, da territorialidade. / Among the most important projects of the Brazilian Military Dictatorship is the building of the Transamazônica Highway (BR-230). With the justification of promoting regional development, the Government interfered in the territorial organization of several indigenous people of the North region of the country. This is the case of the Parakanã living in the Indigenous Land Parakanã, territory borderer by the BR-230. The main objective of this essay is the transformation process of the indigenous Parakanã people territoriality from the consolidation of the Transamazônica highway. Therefore, it was necessary to carry out initial cabinet activities, such as the compilation of bibliographic, cartographic, photographic data, as well as the field activities around the Indigenous Land. The organization of the results was carried out through the researching technique known as content analysis. The Parakanã people were able to manage the contact with the other actors that arrived at the region of the middle Tocantins for several years. However, through the Frontiers of Attraction of the Fundação Nacional do Índio, the state has settled down the indigenous people who lived near the highway. At this point the deterritorialization falls on the Parakanã, they were deprived of the fundamental elements of their territoriality, dismantling the territorial ties and practices they had built. The Parakanã territoriality has been changing by the dynamics of the Brazilian Amazon, the claims for demarcation of the indigenous land Parakanã helped the territorial restructuring of the natives in the post-highway period. Indigenous peoples have a differentiated link with land, which allows for flexibility when designing the territory. There is no need for possession; it is the presence of enemies, mobility, collective plantations, rituals, etc., which constitute the essential elements of the territory and, consequently, territoriality.