Date of Award:
5-1-1967
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Biology
Department name when degree awarded
Zoology
Committee Chair(s)
Keith L. Dixon
Committee
Keith L. Dixon
Abstract
In order to study various aspects of social organization in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), eight groups of sparrows were observed under captive conditions from January 1965, through October, 1965. Each group contained one adult male who secured a high win-loss ratio. However, the establishment of a straight line hierarchy was blocked by site-related dominance. The aggression exhibited by the alpha male was in defense of roost site and not a form of social organization. Juveniles were treated as adult females by adults of both sexes. Juveniles showed a marked ability to defend against adult males. Activity patterns were greatest during "morning" and "evening" periods with a characteristic mid-day lull. The birds tended to engage in the same activities at the same time. These activities were kept in phase by the following reaction and social facilitation. Individual distance was displayed in the feeder and on the perches.
Recommended Citation
Watson, John R., "Various Aspects of Social Organization in Caged Groups of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)" (1967). Biology. 350.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd_biology/350
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