The functions and mechanisms of predator-associated vocalisations in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus)

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dc.contributor.authorDigweed, Shannon Marie
dc.contributor.authorUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.contributor.supervisorRendall, Drew
dc.date.accessioned2011-07-08T20:11:07Z
dc.date.available2011-07-08T20:11:07Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.degree.disciplinePsychology
dc.degree.fieldArts and Science
dc.degree.levelDoctor of Philosophy
dc.degree.levelPhD
dc.degree.subfieldSocial Sciences
dc.descriptionxi, 153 leaves : ill. ; 29 cmen_US
dc.description.abstractNorth American red squirrels are a solitary, territorial species that confront various predators. Previous research proposed that squirrels produce predator-specific, referential ‘seet’ and ‘bark’ alarm calls to aerial and ground predators, respectively. To test this hypothesis, I examined alarm call production during natural encounters with predators, conspecific intruders and in a series of predator simulation experiments. Call production patterns were consistent across all types of disturbance and involved protracted bouts where both call types were inter-mixed. Hence, the call types were not predator-specific but rather their patterning reflected the persistence of disturbances of any type. Tests of alternative call functions further indicated that calls were not actually directed at conspecifics, but rather at predators and intruders and might function to deter or repel them directly. These outcomes are consistent with life-history details of red squirrels and contradict the proposal that this species produces predator-specific, referential alarm calls.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/2474
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.librarysymbolALU
dc.organizationUniversity of Lethbridge
dc.publisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2009en_US
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Psychologyen_US
dc.publisher.facultyArts and Scienceen_US
dc.relation.ispartofseriesThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)en_US
dc.subjectTamiasciurus hudsonicus -- Vocalizationen_US
dc.subjectSound production by animalsen_US
dc.subjectDissertations, Academicen_US
dc.titleThe functions and mechanisms of predator-associated vocalisations in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus)en_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
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