Aberdeen animal behaviour challenge

Aberdeen animal behaviour challenge : 

Aberdeen animal behaviour challenge Monogamy and territoriality in the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) By Nico Butler

A majestic species : 

A majestic species Distinguishable by its curved neck and orange, black-knobbed bill Impressively large bird, with a wingspan of over 2 metres Because of its stark white beauty, graceful swimming and the fact that swan's pair bond for the majority of their lives, they are typically associated with romance

A monogamous species : 

A monogamous species Mute swans are believed to form mating pairs that last for the majority of their lifetime Both sexes share in building and caring for the nest, as well as incubating and caring for the young Pairs typically use the same nesting site every year

A territorial species : 

A territorial species Become very aggressive, very quickly when defending their territory and nesting sites Will charge and attack large birds and mammals when threatened, and humans! Many reports of attacks on humans and small watercraft....an angry Mute swan can easily keep a fox at bay!! Male swans may even fight to the death during the breeding season!

Understanding this behaviour... : 

Understanding this behaviour... To understand this behaviour we must look at Tinbergen's four questions... He developed four questions which, when answered, can explain animal behaviour They are: causation, development, evolution and function

Causation(what causes the response?) : 

Causation(what causes the response?) Reproduction is far more successful when both sexes within the mating pair contribute food resources to the offspring Nest building, as well as caring for it, requires plenty of attention and therefore more beneficial when responsibilities can be shared The offspring are more vulnerable to predation, monogamy ensures both parents are their for security

Development(how does the behaviour change with age?) : 

Development(how does the behaviour change with age?) Juveniles (cygnets) are initially very dependent on the parents for protection and food After a few months, cygnets may be driven off by the parents...thus 'growing up' is a necessity The immature swans will normally join flocks of non- breeding swans and will eventually form a pair bond with a mate These new pairings then seek out suitable territory and a swan's trademark behaviour begins again!!

Evolution(how does this compare with similar behaviour in related species?) : 

Evolution(how does this compare with similar behaviour in related species?) Over 90% of birds exhibit social monogamy, obviously quite a desirable mating system! Due to the locomotion of birds, sharing genetic material with those of the same species is far less difficult i.e. greater genetic diversity!...which is beneficial to the species Territoriality has a big impact on both the survival and reproduction.....a larger territory requires a more aggressive bird, which equates to greater resources

Function(how does this behaviour impact survival and reproduction?) : 

Function(how does this behaviour impact survival and reproduction?) It appears that there are many benefits of monogamy and territoriality, including: protection of the young, shared parenting and no competition for a mate (once a pair bond has been established) These serve to reduce the workload and the amount of stress on an individual mating animal A greater survival rate and longevity is then the result, for both the parents and offspring

Thanks for watching!! : 

Thanks for watching!!