Early development and the emergence of individual differences in behavior among littermates of wild rabbit pups.

摘要: The ontogeny of associated individual differences in behavior and physiology during early postnatal life, particular the emergence such among litter siblings, has been hardly explored mammals under natural conditions. We studied within-litter European rabbit pups Oryctolagus cuniculus prior to weaning, whether how these co-varied with other characteristics as body temperature growth. study was conducted semi-natural conditions a colony rabbits wild origin, where young were born developed nursery burrows. equipped two siblings per interscapular skin loggers on day 2 recorded profiles for 48h. Individual (skin) temperatures within litters repeatable across time, indicating existence consistent differences. Such relative pre-weaning growth, revealing that relatively warmer showed greater increase mass nest period. Between days 12 17, after had reached developmental stage mobility, we carried out different behavioral tests: handling-restraint test, an open field test jump-down from platform. responses former tests associated, those showing quicker struggling response restraint handling also exhibited exploratory activity field. This correlation contexts suggests personality types at stage. Furthermore, pups' strongly their testing. Animals lower compared struggle covered larger distance field, suggesting reactivity responsiveness lighter tests. In contrast, heavier jumped sooner platform, which may have due physical maturation. conclusion, our shows growth are already present although relationships can be easily overlooked, they predominantly emerge littermates.