'False feeding' and aggression in meerkat societies
Article Abstract:
In cooperative meerkats, Suricata suricatta, helpers vary in their levels of care and, within breeding attempts, helpers can be categorized as 'generous' or 'lazy'. It is suggested that there is little unequivocal evidence of deception by helpers over contributions to care in cooperative vertebrates and that 'false feeding' may occur where helpers adjust their decisions immediately before feeding young or where they are subject to conflicting motivations.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2005
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Behavioral tactics of breeders in cooperative meerkats
Article Abstract:
The cooperative behavior of dominant and subordinate adults in meerkats, Suricata suricatta, is studied. Dominant breeders contributed less than adult helpers to babysitting and pup feeding, but raised their individual contributions to pup care to a greater extent when helper-pup ratios were low.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2004
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Contributions to cooperative rearing in meerkats
Article Abstract:
Research is presented concerning the variations in the contribution made by nonbreeding helpers in the feeding and care of the young in communally reared meerkats. The degree of kinship and the degree of help are compared.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2001
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