Abstract

According to prospect-refuge theory, humans prefer environments that afford protection from threat (refuge), but also provide large fields of view (prospect). Prospect-refuge theory in the past has traditionally only been applied to humans, but many of the same contingencies governing spatial preference ought to also hold true in animals. The focus of this study was to examine if this phenomena also occurs in animals. Gerbils were placed in an arena containing three dome shaped refuges that varied in prospect-refuge levels. A simulated predator was released during the trial to examine how contextual factors may influence the degree of prospect and refuge preferred. The results indicate a preference for the enclosed refuge at stimulus onset even though this was not reflective of what happened prior to predator release. The results suggest spatial preferences in animals are influenced by prospect-refuge considerations in certain contexts.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Singh P, Ellard CG

Institution

University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1. p9singh@uwaterloo.ca

Source

Behavioural processes 91:1 2012 Sep pg 22-5

MeSH

Animals
Choice Behavior
Female
Gerbillinae
Male
Predatory Behavior
Psychological Theory
Spatial Behavior

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22643164