Hang-Kwang Luhˇ@ˇ@ Master Thesis Abstract


A quantitative analysis of agonistic behavioral sequence in Gonodactylus smithii (Stomatopoda: Gonodactylidae)

ˇ@ˇ@The behavioral patterns of Gonodactylus smithii performed during agonistic interaction were described according to a series of quantitative analysis that specify the sequences of these patterns and the probabilities of their occurrences, The purpose of this study was to elucidate (1) the function of agonist behavioral patterns, (2) the temporal sequence of agonistic-behavioral patterns and (3) the communicatory system under laboratory condition. Results were as follows.

(1)  Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied on the
     frequency distribution of	inter-individual two-act
     sequences.Four behavioral groups were obtained which
     were  interpreted as "threat/aggressive behavior",
     "fleeing/protected behavior", "bluff threat  behavior"
     and "intention behavior".
(2)  The transitional process for the behavioral patterns in
     the intra-individual  agonistic behavioral sequences
     was: intention behaviorR threat displayR aggressive
     movement strikeR protected behaviorR fleeing behaviorR
     intention behavior.
(3)  The agonistic behavior of G.smithii was depended upon
     the preceding  behavior of the individual itself and
     the preceding behavior of it's opponent.  In  terms of
     reducing the diversity of current behavior of the
     individual, the influence	from the former was more
     effective than the latter.
(4)  G.smithii had evolved many threat displays that contain
     informations about  bluff, threat and attack.