Biomedical subjects

V Csányi

Publications and source records attributed to V Csányi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Does dog-human attachment affect their inter-specific cooperation?

Leading a blind or blindfolded person is a complex cooperative task influenced by many factors. The aim of this study was to determine if quality of attachment affects the performance of dog and owner dyads showed on an Obstacle Course. Modified Ainsworth's Strange Situation Test was used for assessing attachment quality. Only one dimension of the attachment, the 'anxiety' factor was found to correlate with behavioural measures of the Obstacle Course (e.g. number of mistakes, initialisation index that reflects which participant initiates more actions in a dyad). We found significant differences of performance between the three groups of dog-owner pairs (pet dog, guide dog and police dog dyads), but we could not show significant differences in the 'attachment' factor among these groups. We concluded that it is not the attachment type that causes the main differences in the leading behaviour of our three study groups. Dogs have an innate ability for cooperation with humans that was enhanced by selective breeding during domestication and this basic ability can be modified by training but seem to be less affected by the relationship with the owner.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Comprehension of human communicative signs in pet dogs (Canis familiaris).

On the basis of a study by D. J. Povinelli, D. T. Bierschwale, and C. G. Cech (1999), the performance of family dogs (Canis familiaris) was examined in a 2-way food choice task in which 4 types of directional cues were given by the experimenter: pointing and gazing, head-nodding ("at target"), head turning above the correct container ("above target"), and glancing only ("eyes only"). The results showed that the performance of the dogs resembled more closely that of the children in D. J. Povinelli et al.'s study, in contrast to the chimpanzees' performance in the same study. It seems that dogs, like children, interpret the test situation as being a form of communication. The hypothesis is that this similarity is attributable to the social experience and acquired social routines in dogs because they spend more time in close contact with humans than apes do, and as a result dogs are probably more experienced in the recognition of human gestures.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Attachment behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris): a new application of Ainsworth's (1969) Strange Situation Test.

Fifty-one owner-dog pairs were observed in a modified version of M. D. S. Ainsworth's (1969) Strange Situation Test. The results demonstrate that adult dogs (Canis familiaris) show patterns of attachment behavior toward the owner. Although there was considerable variability in dogs' attachment behavior to humans, the authors did not find any effect of gender, age, living conditions, or breed on most of the behavioral variables. The human-dog relationship was described by means of a factor analysis in a 3-dimensional factor space: Anxiety, Acceptance, and Attachment. A cluster analysis revealed 5 substantially different classes of dogs, and dogs could be categorized along the secure-insecure attached dimensions of Ainsworth's original test. A dog's relationship to humans is analogous to child-parent and chimpanzee-human attachment behavior because the observed behavioral phenomena and the classification are similar to those described in mother-infant interactions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

The ontogeny of antipredator behavior in paradise fish larvae (Macropodus opercularis) IV. The effect of exposure to siblings.

Twenty-five-day-old larval paradise fish show less avoidance behavior toward a model predator than 20-day-old fish larvae. Laboratory experiments tested two possible hypotheses: The decrease of avoidance behavior is the result of (a) change in the size ratio of larvae/model, or (b) experience with larval siblings. Larval paradise fish did not show greater avoidance of larger models or models with larger eyespots. However, if isolated for 3 days, the antipredator behavior of 25-day-old larvae became similar to younger ones. In further experiments, we raised the larvae in a larger holding tank in order to decrease the rate of encounters among conspecifics. In line with our assumptions, these larvae also showed enhanced avoidance toward a model predator. In sum, our experiments revealed that the continuous exposure to conspecific larvae was the main cause for the reduced antipredator behavior toward models. To account for our results, we suggest that larvae of nonschooling paradise fish habituate to the continuous presence of larval conspecifics and, as a result, they show decreased avoidance to the model predator. We hypothesize that this habituation process might not work in other fish species that show early schooling behavior in their development. In other words, they would not generalize the experience of conspecifics to potential predators.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Antipredator behavior in paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) larvae: the role of genetic factors and paternal influence.

The paradise fish, a small insectivore, coinhabits marshes of Southeast Asia with several predator fish species. Its ability to recognize and avoid harmful fish may depend upon both genetic factors and experience. Here we demonstrate genetic variability between the 20-day-old larvae of two inbred strains of paradise fish (P and S) in predator exploration and avoidance, using predator models. We show that, in comparison to S larvae, P larvae exhibited an elevated frequency of leaping and backing and an increased approach latency when faced with a predator model with eyespots. Analysis of a classical cross system between the two strains revealed significant departure from an additive-dominance genetic model and suggested the involvement of both epistatic effects of several genes and paternal effects. The effect of the paternal influence during the 5-day postspawning period was found to be strain dependent: later predator avoidance behaviors were influenced by the presence of the father in P larvae but not in S larvae. On the basis of these and previous results, we speculate that the 5 postspawning days may represent a developmentally sensitive period during which specific environmental stimulation, e.g., stimuli associated with the father, is critical for later development of appropriate antipredatory responses. We conclude that developmental aspects of antipredatory behavior in paradise fish are influenced by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Is the testing of TFT strategy during predator inspections possible by use of mirror image? A review and some controls of recent studies.

In order to answer some of the questions concerning the "inadequacies" of mirror-images in experiments examining co-operative behaviour during predator inspection, several control experiments were carried out. The average positions (distance from predator's tank) of guppies was influenced by the presence of a preadator, but the effect of previous experience with a predator was manifestated only in the presence of predator. The average position of guppies also depended on the mirror-treatment (changing the length and position) but it was influenced only by the length but not the angle of mirror. The relative independence of the position of the mirror observed in the guppies' behaviour challenges the basic assumption (i.e. closer to the predator by long parallel than short angled mirror) is indeed the result of TFT as interpreted earlier. Instead, the effect of mirror treatment appears superpositioned on the predator inspection as an independent variable. In light of these results we discuss the usefulness of mirror systems in testing predator inspection as TFT-like behaviour.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

A pharmacological discrimination of two behavioral forms of the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis).

Intracranial injections of 5 micrograms/fish (equivalent to 2 nmol/g) of the dopamine agonist Apomorphine into the paradise fish brain considerably decrease the occurrence of escape behavior with a parallel increase of time spent in swimming. All other elements of the behavioral repertoire are unaffected. The simultaneous administration of 0.5 micrograms/fish (equivalent to 0.15 nmol/g) of the dopamine antagonist Pimozide abolishes this effect. In a second experiment a dose dependent decrease in escape behavior was obtained with a parallel increase of swimming. On the bases of these pharmacological data it is concluded that the escape and the swimming reactions are truly independent units but their regulation might be closely related.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Development of open-field and social behavior of the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis L.).

In a series of experiments, we examined the development of some characteristic behavior elements in the paradise fish. It was shown that the behavior in the open field was dependent on the age of the fish. The attraction of fries of paradise fish toward conspecifics undergo some changes between 12 and 25 days of age: Larger groups become more attractive. Social orientation toward individual conspecifics develops by 24 days of age.

Aging↗

PubMed1991

Life, self-reproduction and information: beyond the machine metaphor.

The problem of representing information in automation models of self-replication is considered. It is shown that, unlike in the natural reproduction process, in a computable model the reproduced entities do not contain all the information necessary for guiding the process. Current theoretical understanding of life and its replication, based on such models, is argued to be essentially inadequate. The solution to this problem is claimed to require recognition of the theoretical fact that information in living systems is different from that subsumed under the category of "knowledge", which is representable as computer programs or triggers of state transitions. A discussion of fundamentals of a new theory of information and its relationship to replication models is given and a new direction of further developments of biological theories is envisioned.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1991

Conditions for recognition of a physical space as two compartments by the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis, Pisces, Anabantidae).

By using a series of aquaria which were more or less separated into two compartments by a "gate" made of plastic or glass strips, we studied how paradise fish changed their patterns of movement relative to the nature of the gates. We found that opaque plastic gates were well recognized by the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) even if the strips were very thin, but that they only changed their pattern of movement when the strips exceeded a certain width. Thus, paradise fish appear to be able to distinguish a physical space of the same size as consisting of either one or two compartments, depending on the material (transparency) and width of the dividing strips.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Inheritance of species-specific behaviors in the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis): a diallel study.

Species-specific elements of the paradise fish's ethogram were recorded in one familiar and three different unfamiliar environments, which were designed to model certain features of this species' natural habitat: (1) a densely vegetated home range, (2) a novel open field, (3) a small novel place, and (4) a small novel place with a predator. The inheritance of the behavioral elements was investigated employing a five-times-replicated diallel cross among three inbred strains. A detailed Hayman analysis of variance and a variance-covariance analysis were performed to uncover the genetic architectures of these phenotypes. Additive genetic effects and/or ambidirectional dominance was found to be characteristic of most species-specific behavioral elements studied, suggesting an evolutionary history of stabilizing selection.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Genotype-environment interaction and the correlation structure of behavioral elements in paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis).

Three inbred strains and all their possible F1 crosses were monitored in one familiar and three unfamiliar situations. Their behavior was described by species-specific elements of the ethogram. Genetic variability was demonstrated both for behavioral elements and for factors extracted by Principal Components Analyses (PCA). We studied how the behavior of genetically different fish changed across situations and examined the interrelations both among variables measured in one situation and between those measured in different ones. Behavioral changes across situations proved to be different for certain strains and crosses, that is, genotype-environment interaction was found. The PCA's carried out for the 4 situations separately yielded unlike factor structures. Another PCA, in which all the variables were included, proved that there was correlation among certain variables measured in different situations. In general, it seems that the corresponding behavioral elements do not always represent the same phene in different situations. We discuss how the genotype-environment interactions can be interpreted, try to define behavioral strategies using the extracted factor structures, and construct a model for the organization of Macropodus behavior.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Variable learning performance: the levels of behaviour organization.

Our experiments were focused on some special aspects of learning in the paradise fish. Passive avoidance conditioning method was used with different success depending on the complexity of the learning tasks. In the case of simple behavioural elements various "constrains" on avoidance learning were found. In a small, covered place the fish were ready to perform freezing reaction and mild punishment increased the frequency and duration of the freezing bouts very substantially. However, it was very difficult to enhance the frequency of freezing by punishment in a tank with transparent walls, where the main response to punishment was escape. The most easily learned tasks were the complex ones which had several different solutions. The fish learned to avoid either side of an aquarium very easily because they could use various behavioural elements to solve the problem. These findings could be interpreted within the framework of different organizational levels of behaviour.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Behavior-genetic analysis of the paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis. III. Genetic analysis of the response to novelty using recombinant inbred strains.

Fifteen behavioral measurements were taken on paradise fish of two inbred progenitor strains and of 16 recombinant lines derived from their cross and maintained under inbreeding with gynogenesis and sib-mating. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed significant differences among the RI means on all measures. Four combined variables extracted by principal component analysis showed that there were common sources of a large part of the behavioral variability measured in the arbitrarily designed test situations. There were no separate subgroups of the RI strain means, and overlapping ranges point to a polygenic genetic determination of the studied behavioral phenotypes. A biometrical analysis of the distribution pattern of recombinant lines and the progenitor strains showed that in several characters non-allelic genic interactions made a significant contribution to the variation. Additive and interaction components of the mean, the heritabilities and the minimum number of effective factors were estimated for all studied behavioral phenotypes, and the combined variables as well.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Behavior-genetic analysis of the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis). IV. Behavioral unit analysis of the response to novelty using recombinant inbred strains.

Frequencies and relative durations of eleven ethologically defined behavioral units were measured on paradise fish of two inbred strains and 9 recombinant inbred lines derived from their cross and then maintained under inbreeding. Significant genotype-dependent differences were found in all but one behavior units. Strain distribution patterns showed polygenic genetic determination of all units, and in several cases non-allelic genic interactions seem to contribute to the variation. Additive and interaction components of the progenitor means and minimal number of effective factors were estimated for each behavior unit.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Diallel genetic analysis of the elements of paradise fish's (Macropodus opercularis L.) behavior in familiar and novel situations.

Elements of the paradise fish's ethogram were recorded in 1 familiar and 3 different unfamiliar situations and the inheritance of these behavioral elements was investigated employing a five times replicated diallel cross between 3 inbred strains. A generalized Hayman Analysis of Variance and a Variance Covariance Analysis were performed to estimate genetic effects and parameters, such as, additive genetic variance, different sorts of dominance variance, reciprocal effects, direction and degree of dominance, ratio between the frequency of dominant and of recessive alleles, minimum number of effective factors and heritabilities, etc. Knowing the genetic architecture, we make inferences about the possible evolutionary past of the behavioral elements and explain why selection might favor certain types of paradise fish's behavior in particular circumstances. In several cases a possibility of "monogenic" inheritance emerged. We explain this finding and conclude that in a cross experiment where the inheritance of phenotypical units are investigated by employing only a few genetically different strains this result may be expected.

Alleles↗

PubMed1989

The influence of olfaction on exploratory behaviour in the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis L.).

We studied the role of olfaction on the exploratory behaviour of the paradise fish. Intact animals showed habituation of exploratory behaviour toward a heterospecific fish after five consecutive encounters. Fish with olfactory nerves destroyed spent significantly longer time with exploration compared to the control even at the fifth encounter. We suggest that olfactory inputs have a strong influence on exploratory behaviour.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Effect of the components of the physical environment on escape behaviour of the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis).

Physical features of a seminatural environment on provoking various defence behaviour elements of the paradise fish were studied. It was found that most escape behaviour forms were under the control of visual stimuli. Transparent physical space induced escape and inhibited jumping. While the latter was induced by the presence of vertical untransparent surfaces. Dark places usually were avoided by the paradise fish. Placed into an unfamiliar environment in the presence of different escape routes the paradise fish seemed to make decisions after careful comparison of alternatives.

Animals↗