Jan 22nd, 2009
Symposium 2009
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SYMPOSIUM 2009
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Day 1, Concurrent Session 1
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12 Feb 2009: 10.00am – 11.15am.
Venue: LS Lab 7A
Panel: Sivasothi, Janice Lee and Daniel Ng
10.00-10.15am: Group 1 – I Like To Move It, Move It! Presented by Tay Ee Pei Lydia, Woo Wan Ting Isabella, Soh Kai Di Kathy and Tan Yiheng Benjamin.
Abstract - Various types of primates have their own way of moving about. We investigated the evolution of primate limbs – how each habitat could have possibly restricted or enabled certain types of locomotion and hence the differences amongst the primates’ limbs to better facilitate their movements. In the Singapore Zoological Gardens we observed how some primates evolved to suit their respective habitats. We categorized the primates according to suspensory, arboreal and terrestrial primates.
10.15-10.30am: Group 2 – Foraging Behaviour of Pigeons in Urban Areas. Presented by Chan Sze Wing, Khoo Lay Hian, Mohyong Shiteng Devlin and Tan Mei Yan Kathleen.
Abstract – Our project deals with the behaviour of pigeons when feeding. Through our observations, we have noticed that pigeons tend to flock together to feed during certain times of the day (in the mornings and evening; when someone is feeding). Also, we have observed that these pigeons thrive around urban areas, as compared to rural areas in Singapore. We have concluded that the pigeons are largely dependent on humans for their survival. As they have an excellent memory, they’re capable of remembering feeding times. They’re assured of a steady food supply with no natural predators and therefore their population size balloons.
10.30-10.45am: Group 3 – Elephants at work and play: are they entirely simulated? Presented by Kristie Neo, Ahmad Fakhruddin, Ang Chee Hui and Tan Gim Yong.
Abstract – This study aims to examine the behaviour of Asian elephants performing at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. To what extent are their natural attributes exploited for the shows? We will investigate how elephants learn tricks to perform in the zoo and the training methods employed by the mahouts (elephant trainers). Through our observations and interviews, we discovered how the shows are catered accordingly to display the “natural” attributes of the elephants to the public.
10.45-11.00am: Group 4 – Size matters: Exploring the Small Dog Syndrome. Presented by Aarthi Sankar, Ruben S/O Victor, Leong Wenqian Jofid and Chia Ming Li Ramona.
Abstract – “Small Dog Syndrome” refers to the distinctive trait of tiny breeds of dogs having larger-than-life personalities as compared to their seemingly more composed larger counterparts. Most of us have encountered noisy, ballistic small dogs in HDB areas, while the much bigger dogs appear more sedate. In observations carried out in dog run areas, we looked for any disparities in behaviors between big and small dogs. Size is our independent variable, behavior our dependent variable. Our results do not support this hypothesis, they suggest that SDS may be more a social phenomena (observed by laymen) rather than an aspect of behavioral science.
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Day 1, Concurrent Session 2
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12 Feb 2009: 10.00am – 11.15am.
Venue: LS Lab 7C
Panel: Dr Matthew Lim, Tay Ywee Chieh and Toh Kok Ben
10.00-10.15am: Group 6 – Hamadryas Baboons: Captivity and its effects on traditional hierarchical systems comparative to the wild. Presented by Adryanna Bte Abdul Aziz, Siti Marinah Bte M. Ali, Foo Ern-Syn Melody and Andy Lim Wan Yang.
Abstract – Our research seeks to find, through observation, the existence of a unique hierarchical system in Hamadryas baboons bred in captivity at the Singapore Zoological Gardens as compared to the wild. We focussed on factors of gender and the relationship between a baboon’s age and its strength. In captivity, factors such as space, lack of need for foraging, the absence of natural predators and human interaction affect behaviour. We find that in captive hamadryas baboons, although there is a dilution of classic hierarchical behaviour present in the wild, the fundamental hierarchical composition and behaviour still exists.
10.15-10.30am: Group 7 – Aggression of Male Jumping Spiders in the Presence of Female Jumping Spiders. Presented by Frans Prawira, Goh Yi Lin Pamela and Ting Bing Hui.
Abstract - An experiment was conducted to investigate if the presence of female jumping spiders affects the level of aggression between male spiders. This was carried out through the introduction of male spiders to the female spider sequentially in order of ascending size. The introduction of the male spiders was performed singly and it was found that the presence of a female spider would result in escalated aggression between males. Furthermore, it was also discovered that male spiders would fight to win the mating opportunity with a female, and that interest in mating supercedes the instinctive fighting behaviour in male spiders.
10.30-10.45am: Group 8 – How ants react to obstacles placed in their trails. Presented by Lee Sin Yan, Yeo Kiat Ju, Lee Ying Ying and Loh Man Ying.
Abstract – Our project seeks to investigate how ants work as a team to overcome obstacles. To do so, we simulated various situations to test the behaviour of the ants. The simulation involved the disruption of an ant trail with obstacles that were stationary, scented and foreign intruders. Through our observations, we have found out that ants’ instinctive behaviour of laying pheromones, responding to different types of pheromones and their social behaviour play very important roles in helping ants communicate and work efficiently as a team.
10.45-11.00am: Group 9 – Aggressive Behaviour of Fighting Fish. Presented by Lek Wee Keat, Ng Yi Si Esther, Goh Wan Ying Esther, See Yong Xuan Mervyn and Suhaidah Bte Mohd Yusof.
Abstract – We investigated the causes for aggressive behaviour of male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) in captivity by carrying out a two part experiment in which various conditions were introduced to provoke aggressive behaviour: a) Which sensory cues caused the most reaction; b) Which visual cue caused them to react most violently.
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Day 2, Concurrent Session 1
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5 Mar 2009: 10.00am – 11.15am.
Venue: LS Lab 7A
Panel: Sivasothi, Ng Shi Yan and Goh Seok Ping
10.00-10.15am: Group 11 – King Penguins – What you see is what you get? Presented by Ong Yaohui, Huang Yifang, Wee Hian Huat and Wei Peiling.
Abstract - Our study focuses on the King penguins in Jurong Bird Park. The behavioural aspect we wish to observe is specifically, their reproduction process, which encompasses their mate selection, nesting and incubation. Based on our observations in the enclosure, the interview with the bird-keeper, and established studies from other researchers, we will attempt to compare the behaviour of these penguins in captivity as compared to the wild. Despite the bird park’s efforts to simulate the natural habitat, we still managed to observe some behavioural discrepancies between the penguins in the wild and those in the enclosure.
10.15-10.30am: Group 12 – Creatures in Captivity: Observation of Polar Bears and Penguins in the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Presented by Chen Zhihui Pearlyn, Chew Wei Yang Eugene, Durga Devi d/o Rajandran and Kumuthan s/o Maderya.
Abstract - How does an animal biologically made to survive in a different climate survive in the tropics? What are the factors that have helped animals from colder climatic regions adjust to the tropics? To answer these questions, we conducted a study on polar bears and jackass penguins at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Based on literature research and observations, a comparison of the animals’ physical attributes, behaviour and diet was done. Internal (animals’ adaption to the climate) and external (measures provided by the zoo) factors have supported the animals’ survival in the tropics. Breeding and the absence of stress illustrate the animals’ successful adaptation to the tropical climate.
10.30-10.45am: Group 13 – Social and Predatory Play Behaviour of Domestic Kittens. Presented by Ho Ling, Lee Liang Yi, Lee Xing Ru Cynthia and Tang Chyi Yueh.
Abstract - The purpose of our study is to explore play behaviour of kittens. We hypothesize that kittens will display predatory behavior towards a ball that is similar, in size, texture and smell, to a rodent. In our experiment, we varied, the size of the oval-shaped ball, type of material the ball is made of, and presence of a hamster’s scent, to determine the behavior of the three kittens that we experimented on, individually. Our results showed that all three kittens behaved more aggressively (shown by biting) and displayed predatory behavior when they were given the rat-sized furry oval-shaped ball with hamster’s scent.
10.45-11.00am: Group 14 – Mother Nature Versus Mandai Nurture. Presented by Murali S/O Tamil Selvam, Arul Vadivelan S Muthumanickam, Vemalan S/O Elangovan and Naseem Fathima.
Abstract - The Hamadryas Baboons were observed based on comparison with their wild counterparts. The main objective of our observations was to derive if the baboons’ behaviours were instinctive or operant. Their 2 notable behaviours were foraging and violent interaction. These behaviours were thus used as lenses to distinguish the Mandai residents from their wild cousins. Our findings revealed that those from Mandai are considerably different from those in the wild.
11.00-11.15am: Group 15 – Change in Territorial behaviour of stray cats upon human interference. Presented by Goh Hong Yi, Choo Lay Yoong, Chew Wei Ting and Ong Meng Yeow, Aaron.
Abstract - Cats are known to be independent and territorial. This project seeks to test if stray cats will gather and overcome territorial barriers as a response to humans. We chose to focus on a common human-cat interaction in the neighbourhood: feeding. Our hypothesis is that in a situation where there is no competition for food, stray cats’ sense of territoriality would be lowered and they will congregate. We also want to find out the extent to which they are willing to tolerate other cats in their space during feeding.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SYMPOSIUM 2009
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Day 2, Concurrent Session 2
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5 Mar 2009: 10.00am – 11.15am.
Venue: LS Lab 7C
Panel: Dr Matthew Lim, Ng Jun Xiang and Yip Ai Kia
10.00-10.15am: Group 16 – Mynas in pairs, or is there greater power in synchrony? Presented by Tan Pei Shan Maria, Derek Tan Yi-Ren, Chong Shih Wai, Shaun and Foo Hsuan Lei, Jorim.
Abstract – Common Mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) have been known to forage in pairs. Yet in Singapore, large flocks of Common Mynahs are seen foraging together. This study attempts to prove that Common Mynahs exhibit group dynamics, resulting in greater foraging confidence. Experiments were conducted on lone pairs and large flocks by injecting food into their natural habitat and observing their confidence levels. The experiment was repeated in various locations in Singapore to rule out differing confidence levels of various “tribes”. Our findings indicate that Common Mynahs display synchronous behavior where there is intra-group communication, leading to greater confidence in the foraging process.
10.15-10.30am: Group 17 – Pre and Post Fornification Behaviour of Pigeons (Columba livia). Presented by Goh Wei Huai Nigel, Berner Poh, Chan Wen Cui and Cai Suting.
Abstract - “Are pigeons choosey mates?” We studied the pre-mating (courtship behaviour), mating behaviour and post-mating behaviour of undomesticated feral pigeons (columba livia). We video-taped and observed such behaviour and matched our observations with known researches found from articles, books and papers to identify potential discrepancies. We also studied the choice of mates by female pigeons through their interaction with male pigeons. We found out that two factors mattered, namely, social status and outlook.
10.30-10.45am: Group 18 – Safety in numbers: Schooling behavior in neon tetras. Presented by Cheng Kai Wen Eileen, Eng Woon Chong Shawn, Zhang Kaiwei and Zhu Lianglin.
Abstract - Schooling is an important defense mechanism for many different types of fish, this is especially so for the small and timid neon tetra. We exposed a test group of neon tetras to various forms of stimuli and observed their reaction, noting when the fish displayed schooling behavior. We came to the conclusion that though schooling behavior is an instinctive trait, the tetras also show signs of habituation, where after constant exposure, the stimulus no longer triggers schooling behavior.
10.45-11.00am: Group 19 – Social Behaviors of Meerkats. Presented by Xie Wangyang, Chew Sze Tat, Li Zuwei and Ting Zhi Hui, Magdeline.
Abstract - Meerkats are small mammals of the mongoose family commonly found in parts of the Kalahari Desert. They are social animals forming “clans” of about 20 meerkats up to 50 or more and are led by an alpha pair. For our observations, we will be visiting the meerkats held in the Singapore Zoological Gardens. We seek to look at some of the social behaviors of the meerkats such as sentry duties, grooming each other, babysitting and play activities such as wrestling matches and foot races. We will then seek to understand the observed behavior through various expert studies on the meerkats.
11.00-11.15am: Group 20 – Learned versus Instinctive Behaviour in Sun Conures. Presented by Kasthuri d/o Mahanthran, Tahiradulnisha binte Kader Ibrahim and Renuka d/o Nasendran.
Abstract - Sun Conures are a species of parrot that make good home pets. We have been observing a domesticated Sun Conure in a home environment and have discovered that they display an interesting array of learned and instinctive behaviours. Our intention was to observe the kinds of interaction between the bird and its owners. These include instinctive behaviours such as territoriality and feeding. We also observed learned behaviours stem from habituations and spatial learning. We learnt that majority of learned behaviours are results of habituation.
