Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Auffenberg, W. (1977). Display behavior in tortoises. American Zoologist, 17, 241–250.
Added by: Admin (25 Aug 2008 20:36:37 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Auffenberg1977 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Geochelone, Gopherus, Habitat = habitat, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Verhalten = ethology Creators: Auffenberg Collection: American Zoologist |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Gopherus Geochelone When compared to lizards or snakes, signals related to warning and threat are not very important in land tortoises. Within social and sexual contexts, tactile and chemical signals seem more important than visual, and certainly than auditor)' ones. Color patterns are rarely, if ever, sexually discriminatory. Seasonal color differences are rare. In general, positional signals are rather limited, chiefly because of the shell. However, shell positional changes are an important part of the visual and tactile signal repertory of all land tortoises. Head movements are also important in several groups. Audible signals are poorly developed. They are largely concerned with courtship and their role is not understood. Chemical signals are pronounced, especially in displays related to sex identification, largely based on scents associated with the cloaca. Tactile displays are important particularly during courtship. They include biting and especially shell ramming by the male. The tail is used as a tactile organ during courtship of some species.
Added by: Admin |