Aggression and Competition in Two Boreal Animals

This thesis will focus on the use of agonistic behaviour in both direct and indirect competition in two arboreal species: the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and Cyphoderris monstrosa, a primitive orthopteran insect. Chipmunks are an example of indirect competitors as they are competing for finite resources for dealing with abiotic stresses to ensure their survival. Chapter 2 of this project investigates the behavioural time budget for above ground activity at a time of critical importance for overwinter survival. The chipmunks in this study displayed a focus of their time budget on eating and collecting food in preparation of winter survival while they were above ground. Chapter 3 of this research project studies the physiological differences between males of Cyphoderris monstrosa which engage in aggressive territorial contests. The data suggest that metabolic scope is correlated with RHP. Males’ ability to mobilize energy reserves may be an important factor in contest outcomes.MAS