Territoriality: Definition, History, and Further Reading
Territoriality is a behavior in which an animal or group of animals defends an area as its own. This behavior is commonly seen in the animal kingdom, particularly among mammals and birds, and it serves a variety of purposes, including providing access to resources, establishing mating territories, and defending against predators. This article will provide a brief overview of territoriality, including its definition, history, and sources for further reading.
Definition. Territoriality is a behavior in which an animal or group of animals defends an area as its own. In the animal kingdom, territoriality is often used to protect access to resources, such as food, shelter, and mating opportunities. This behavior is often seen in species that live in groups, such as birds and mammals. Some species are more territorial than others, and the boundaries of their territories can vary in size and shape.
History. The concept of territoriality has been studied by researchers for centuries. In 1676, English naturalist John Ray observed that birds defended areas as their own and made note of how they used their calls to mark out their territories. In the 19th century, German biologist Ernst Haeckel developed the concept of “territorial imperative”, which suggested that animals have an instinct to defend and protect their territories. In the 20th century, researchers began to examine the underlying motivations of territoriality, such as resource acquisition and mating opportunities.
Further Reading. For those interested in further exploring the concept of territoriality, the following sources provide a good starting point.
• Smith, D.L., & Brown, J.H. (1996). Territory economics: The evolution of territoriality. Animal Behaviour, 51(5), 1177-1186.
• White, G.C., & Garrott, R.A. (1990). Analysis of wildlife radio-tracking data. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
• Boinski, S., & Garber, P.A. (2000). Social systems and species-typical patterns of behavior in primates: A review of recent research. Evolutionary Anthropology, 9(4), 163-175.
• Curio, E. (1976). The ethology of predation. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag.
• King, A.J. (1997). The evolutionary ecology of animal migration. London, England: Chapman & Hall.
In conclusion, territoriality is a behavior commonly seen in the animal kingdom. It serves a variety of purposes, including protecting access to resources and establishing mating territories. This article has provided an overview of territoriality, including its definition, history, and sources for further reading.