Sampling Behavior & Social Behavior

Focal animal, or continuous sampling

• Watch 1 animal (or subgroup), and record all of its activities
for a pre-determined period of time
• Must be able to identify individuals
• Useful for observing both states and events
• Best way to observe interactions
• Unbiased record of behavior

Instantaneous or scan sampling

• Watch 1 animal or a group of animals, and record what the animal(s) is doing at pre-set intervals
• Don’t necessarily need to be able to identify individuals
• Useful for observing states only
• Can monitor large groups

What are some benefits to living in a social group?

–Protection

Options for year-old males that are unable to find mates

• Primary helpers– bring fish to their mothers and siblings and attack predatory nest enemies like snakes 
• Secondary helpers– help unrelated nesting pairs and go on to breed next year 
• Delayers– wait around, don’t use up valuable energy to help to rear anyone else’s offspring, breed next year