A comparative study of some displays in ungulates, canids and felids : with particular reference to their causation

• Main Author: Kiley, Marthe
• Published: University of Sussex 1969
• Subjects: 591.38
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.462014

A systematic approach to the study or displays is useful in that it helps towards a greater understanding of species divergence. Crane's (1957) study of the displays of the Fiddler crabs is one example of this type or approach. The description that follows of the vocalisations, tail movements and ear movements or different species is treated in a systematic way, and provides examples or the divergence or displays as a result of their habits and ecological environment. Tail wagging, for example, although a common origin is proposed, has come to indicate very different motivationa1 states in the dog and the cat. Convergence of displays also exists, and is illustrated, for example, by the occurrence or analogous types of voca1isations in different species in similar situations (page 146).