Dynamics of collective motion across time and species

Most studies of collective animal behaviour rely on short-term observations, and comparisons of collective behaviour across different species and contexts are rare. We therefore have a limited understanding of intra- and interspecific variation in collective behaviour over time, which is crucial if...

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Published inPhilosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences Vol. 378; no. 1874; p. 20220068
Main Authors Papadopoulou, Marina, Fürtbauer, Ines, O'Bryan, Lisa R, Garnier, Simon, Georgopoulou, Dimitra G, Bracken, Anna M, Christensen, Charlotte, King, Andrew J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England The Royal Society 10.04.2023
Subjects
Animals
Behavior, Animal
Biological Evolution
Columbidae
Motion
Smegmamorpha
baboon troop
goat herd
collective animal behaviour
fish school
bird flock
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Summary:Most studies of collective animal behaviour rely on short-term observations, and comparisons of collective behaviour across different species and contexts are rare. We therefore have a limited understanding of intra- and interspecific variation in collective behaviour over time, which is crucial if we are to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape collective behaviour. Here, we study the collective motion of four species: shoals of stickleback fish ( ), flocks of homing pigeons ( ), a herd of goats ( ) and a troop of chacma baboons ( ). First, we describe how local patterns (inter-neighbour distances and positions), and group patterns (group shape, speed and polarization) during collective motion differ across each system. Based on these, we place data from each species within a 'swarm space', affording comparisons and generating predictions about the collective motion across species and contexts. We encourage researchers to add their own data to update the 'swarm space' for future comparative work. Second, we investigate intraspecific variation in collective motion over time and provide guidance for researchers on when observations made over different time scales can result in confident inferences regarding species collective motion. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Collective behaviour through time'.
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One contribution of 15 to a discussion meeting issue ‘Collective behaviour through time’.
Electronic supplementary material is available online at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6404011.
ISSN:0962-8436
1471-2970
DOI:10.1098/rstb.2022.0068