Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Bjorklund, David F.
Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair
Herzing, Denise L.
Abstract
The present study examined the alteration of benthic foraging behavior by mother Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) when foraging in the presence of their calves in comparison to the foraging behaviors of the mothers when the calves were not present. The mother dolphins chased prey significantly longer and made significantly more body-orienting movements during foraging in which calves were present. In 5 of the events where the calves were present the prey was not eaten by the mother, but instead the calves were allowed to pursue the prey and were confirmed to have eaten the prey in 3 of the foraging events, even though the calves were still nursing. Additionally, this altered foraging behavior only occurred in the presence of their naive calves. Therefore, the present study may be evidence of teaching as a potential social learning mechanism of foraging behavior by Atlantic spotted dolphins.
Extent
48 p.
Recommended Citation
Bortot, Courtney Elizabeth, "Evidence of social learning mechanisms and teaching behavior of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) by mother dolphins foraging in the presence of calves" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 859.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/859
Identifier
FADT13299
Comments
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2005.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science