communication networks

What is a communication network in animals?

A system where signals are shared among multiple individuals in a group, not just between a sender and one receiver

What is eavesdropping in animal communication?

When an unintended receiver uses information from a signal to make decisions

Why is eavesdropping useful?

It allows animals to gain valuable information without being directly involved in the interaction

Which animal is used in an experiment to study eavesdropping?

Siamese fighting fish.

What behaviors do Siamese fighting fish use to assess fighting ability?

Parellels swimming, tail beating, maneuvering in water streams, biting, and mouth wrestling.

What was the purpose of the Siamese fighting fish experiment?

To see if a third fish could observe a fight and use that information to choose which opponent to challenge

How was third fish prevented from interfering in the experiment?

It observed through a one-way mirror.

What did the third fish do after observing the fight?

It used the information to decide which fish was weaker and more worth challenging.

What does the Siamese fighting fish experiment reveal about communication?

It shows that communication can be complex and occur in networks, not just one-on-one.

What is the benefit of communication networks in animal groups?

They allow individuals to gather information from multiple sources and make better decisions.