Social play in the development of sibling relations in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
Abstract
Social play fulfills an important function in creating and maintaining relations between siblings. However, its relationship with the intralitter social processes is poorly understood. It was noticed that, in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) litters, sex differences in social play are absent in the first 2–3 months of life. It was found that the most intense periods of play behavior (at an age of 9 and 12 weeks) coincide with periods of aggression. Gradual change in play interactions, which require close physical contact by play elements with increased motor activity, are described. This reflects the changes in the relevance of certain skills of lynx cubs as they grow older.
- Publication:
-
Biology Bulletin
- Pub Date:
- July 2014
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2014BioBu..41..364A
- Keywords:
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- Biology Bulletin;
- Play Behavior;
- Social Play;
- Play Interaction;
- Spotted Hyena