[Social play in the development of sibling relations in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)]

Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol. 2014 Jul-Aug:(4):382-90.
[Article in Russian]

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. Itwas found that the most intense periods of play behavior (at an age of 9 and 1-2 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 types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / physiology
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Female
  • Lynx / growth & development
  • Lynx / physiology*
  • Male
  • Sibling Relations*