Laskowski et al_social niche disruption_DATA

Individual and colony data used in Laskowski et al

Socially Driven Consistent Behavioural Differences during Development in Common Ravens and Carrion Crows

<div><p>Consistent individual differences in behaviour, or ‘personality’, are likely to be influenced by development, social context, and species ecology, though few comparative, longitudinal studies exist. Here, we investigated the role of development and social context on personality variation in two identically reared, social corvids: common ravens and carrion crows. We repeatedly presented subjects with a variety of novel food and objects, while alone and in a primarily sibling subgroup, from fledging to sub-adulthood. We predicted that consistent individual differences would emerge later in development, and that conspecific presence would facilitate behavioural similarities. In contrast to our predictions, we found that individuals of both species were highly inconsistent in their behavioural responses throughout the development period. In line with our predictions, though in the ravens only, conspecific presence promoted behavioural similarities as individuals were strongly shaped by their subgroup, and it is likely that these effects were driven by social context rather than relatedness. We discuss these findings in relation to developmental steps and the role of social relations in these species. Overall, our findings highlight that these two species are highly adaptable in their behaviour, and the ravens in particular are strongly influenced by their social environment, which may facilitate cooperation and social learning.</p></div

Significant repeatability over time in social context for novel food and object conditions for both species.

<p>In the ravens, individuals and subgroups consistently differed in their responses to food and objects, particularly over the late development stages. In the crows, individuals did not generally differ consistently in their behaviour over time. R = repeatability, L = likelihood ratio. Significant results given in bold. Full test results in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0148822#pone.0148822.s002" target="_blank">S2 Table</a>.</p

Mean activity in novel food condition across late development in social context for crows.

<p>We found that individuals differed consistently in behaviour (frequency of location changes) across late development (rounds 7, 8 and 10). f = female, m = male.</p

Sibling group and tested subgroups composition in both species.

<p>All test participation was voluntary for the birds, and 1 available male raven (Max) did not participate in tests, though was included in the sibling group analyses as he was a sibling (to Paul). F = female, M = male.</p

Overview of testing schedule and experiment items.

<p>Individual context tested in all 10 rounds (rounds 1–10) and social context tested in 5 rounds (rounds 1, 4, 7, 8 & 10). / = not tested.</p

Boldness behavioral data

Boldness scores for S.dumicola individuals tested in groups of differing familiarity levels

Fundulus notatus raw data

Excel file containing the raw data (morphometric measurements as well as data on population, drainage, habitat, age, and sex)