Dominance hierarchy and spatial distribution in captive red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus torquatus): Testing Hemelrijk's agent-based model

We empirically tested Hemelrijk's agent-based model (Hemelrijk 1998), in which dyadic agonistic interaction between primate-group subjects determines their spatial distribution and whether or not the dominant subject has a central position with respect to the other subjects. We studied a group of captive red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus torquatus) that met the optimal conditions for testing this model (e.g. a linear dominance hierarchy). We analyzed the spatial distribution of the subjects in relation to their rank in the dominance hierarchy and the results confirmed the validity of this model. In accordance with Hemelrijk's model (Hemelrijk 1998), the group studied showed an ambiguity-reducing strategy that led to non-central spatial positioning on the part of the dominant subject, thus confirming the model indirectly. Nevertheless, for the model to be confirmed directly, the group has to adopt a risk-sensitive strategy so that observers can study whether dominant subjects develop spatial centrality. Our study also demonstrated that agent-based models are a good tool for the study of certain complex behaviors observed in primates because these explanatory models can help formulate suggestive hypotheses for exploring new lines of research in primatology

Exercicis d'Introducció al Mètode Científic

Aquest document conté un recull d'exercicis fonamentats en la lectura d'articles i la visualització de documentals i/o pel·lícules que permeten a l'estudiant treballar els conceptes fonamentals del mètode científic

Comunicació intraespecífica en insectes

Pràctiques d’Etologia i Evolució de la ConductaAquest document conté el guió de pràctiques " Comunicació intraespecífica en insectes", un manual d'ús del programari a utilitzar en les pràctiques i guia del professor

Conducta agonista en Betta splendens

Pràctiques d’Etologia i Evolució de la ConductaAquest document conté el guió de pràctiques " Conducta agonista en Betta splendens" i la guia del professor

Fitxa tècnica d'un test

Aquest document de treball permet a l'alumne familiaritzar-se en l'ús de material psicomètric com instrument de mesura psicològic

Transplant of GABAergic Precursors Restores Hippocampal Inhibitory Function in a Mouse Model of Seizure Susceptibility

Defects in GABAergic function can cause epilepsy. in the last years, cell-based therapies have attempted to correct these defects with disparate success on animal models of epilepsy. Recently, we demonstrated that medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-derived cells grafted into the neonatal normal brain migrate and differentiate into functional mature GABAergic interneurons. These cells are able to modulate the local level of GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition, which suggests their suitability for cell-based therapies. However, it is unclear whether they can integrate in the host circuitry and rescue the loss of inhibition in pathological conditions. Thus, as proof of principle, we grafted MGE-derived cells into a mouse model of seizure susceptibility caused by specific elimination of GABAergic interneuron subpopulations in the mouse hippocampus after injection of the neurotoxic saporin conjugated to substance P (SSP-Sap). This ablation was associated with significant decrease in inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSC) on CA1 pyramidal cells and increased seizure susceptibility induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Grafting of GFP(+) MGE-derived cells in SSP-Sap-treated mice repopulates the hippocampal ablated zone with cells expressing molecular markers of mature interneurons. Interestingly, IPSC kinetics on CA1 pyramidal cells of ablated hippocampus significantly increased after transplantation, reaching levels similar to the normal mice. More importantly, this was associated with reduction in seizure severity and decrease in postseizure mortality induced by PTZ. Our data show that MGE-derived cells fulfill most of the requirements for an appropriate cell-based therapy, and indicate their suitability for neurological conditions where a modulation of synaptic inhibition is needed, such as epilepsy.Spanish Ministry of Science and InnovationCIPFCarlos III Institute (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation)Generalitat ValencianaAndalusian Ctr Mol Biol & Regenerat Med CABIMER, Dept Cell Therapy & Regenerat Med, Seville, SpainCIPF, Valencia, SpainUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Physiol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Physiol, São Paulo, BrazilSpanish Ministry of Science and Innovation: SAF 07/61880Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation: FIS 07/0079Web of Scienc

Conducta de la gavineta de tres dits (Rissa tridactyla)

Pràctiques d’Etologia i Evolució de la ConductaAquest document conté el guió de pràctiques " Conducta de la gavineta de tres dits (Rissa tridactyla)" i la guia del professor

Conducta de ximpanzés (Pan troglodytes)

Pràctiques d’Etologia i Evolució de la ConductaAquest document conté el guió de pràctiques " Conducta de ximpanzés" i la guia del professor