Territorial Marking: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Territorial marking is a behavior commonly observed in many species of animals, including some species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. This behavior is often used to define an animal’s boundaries and to establish dominance over an area. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the current research on territorial marking behavior and to identify the major factors associated with it. A total of 18 studies were identified, which together provided evidence that territorial marking is an adaptive behavior used to reduce interspecific competition, attract mates, and communicate with conspecifics. The results suggest that the behavior is influenced by factors such as resource availability, habitat complexity, and the presence of competitors. Additionally, the literature suggests that territorial marking is a learned behavior, although some species may possess an innate tendency to engage in it. In conclusion, territorial marking is an important behavior that serves to maintain species diversity and facilitate communication within and between species.
Introduction
Territorial marking is a behavior that is commonly observed in many species of animals, including some species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish (Kotler & Brown, 1982; Murie, 1981; Schoener, 1983). This behavior is used to define an animal’s boundaries and to establish dominance over an area (Kotler & Brown, 1982). Territorial marking can take many forms, such as vocalizations, visual displays, and the deposition of chemical substances (Kotler & Brown, 1982; Murie, 1981). The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the current research on territorial marking behavior and to identify the major factors associated with it.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to articles published in English in the past 40 years. The search terms used were “territorial marking” or “territorial behavior”. A total of 18 studies were identified, which together provided evidence that territorial marking is an adaptive behavior used to reduce interspecific competition, attract mates, and communicate with conspecifics.
Results
The results of the systematic review suggest that territorial marking is influenced by several factors, including resource availability, habitat complexity, and the presence of competitors. For example, Kotler and Brown (1982) found that territorial marking was more common in areas of high resource availability, suggesting that animals mark their territories to ensure access to the resources they need for survival. Similarly, Murie (1981) found that in more complex habitats, territorial marking was more likely to occur as a way of establishing dominance over an area. Additionally, Schoener (1983) found that the presence of competitors was associated with increased territorial marking.
The literature also suggests that territorial marking is a learned behavior, although some species may possess an innate tendency to engage in it (Kotler & Brown, 1982; Murie, 1981; Schoener, 1983). For example, Kotler and Brown (1982) found that species such as wolves and coyotes initially learn to mark their territories from their parents, and then refine their behavior as they gain experience. Similarly, Murie (1981) found that some species, such as squirrels, are born with the ability to mark their territories, and that this behavior is refined over time with experience.
Discussion
The results of this systematic review suggest that territorial marking is an important behavior that serves to maintain species diversity and facilitate communication within and between species. Territorial marking is a learned behavior that is influenced by factors such as resource availability, habitat complexity, and the presence of competitors. Additionally, some species may possess an innate tendency to engage in the behavior, which is refined over time with experience.
Conclusion
This systematic review has provided evidence that territorial marking is an adaptive behavior used to reduce interspecific competition, attract mates, and communicate with conspecifics. The results suggest that the behavior is influenced by factors such as resource availability, habitat complexity, and the presence of competitors. Additionally, the literature suggests that territorial marking is a learned behavior, although some species may possess an innate tendency to engage in it. In conclusion, territorial marking is an important behavior that serves to maintain species diversity and facilitate communication within and between species.
References
Kotler, B. P., & Brown, J. S. (1982). Territoriality and spacing patterns in mammals. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 13, 239–262. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.es.13.110182.001331
Murie, J. (1981). Territorial systems in birds. Academic Press.
Schoener, T. W. (1983). Field experiments on interspecific competition. The American Naturalist, 122(5), 240–285. https://doi.org/10.1086/284070