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Animal Personalities

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

We provide an overview on the study of animal personalities that have now been documented in a broad range of animal taxa. We define the concept of an animal personality, the related idea of a behavior syndrome, how these are quantified by animal behaviorists, and clarify common misconceptions about these concepts. We then discuss several issues that are parallel to what is often studied in humans: effects of animal personalities on lifetime success (biological fitness), genetic, neuroendocrine and physiological mechanisms, development of personalities, relationships to cognition, and the interplay between personalities and social dynamics. Finally, we summarize ideas on how variation in personalities affects major issues in ecology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences
Subtitle of host publicationModel and Theories: Measurement and Assessment: Personality Processes and Individual Differences: Clinical, Applied, and Cross-Cultural Research: Volume 1-4
PublisherWiley
Pages117-122
Number of pages6
Volume1-4
ISBN (Electronic)9781118970843
ISBN (Print)9781118970744
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • aggressiveness
  • animal personality
  • behavioral genetics
  • behavioral syndrome
  • boldness
  • cognitive style
  • coping styles
  • Pace-of-Life Syndrome
  • stress response

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