Analysis of the finescale timing of repeated signals: does shell rapping in hermit crabs signal stamina?

摘要: Hermit crabs, Pagurus bernhardus, sometimes exchange shells after a period of shell rapping, when the initiating or attacking crab brings its rapidly and repeatedly into contact with noninitiator defender in series bouts. Bouts are separated by pauses, raps within bouts very short periods called ‘gaps’. Since within-contest variation is missed signals studied averaging performance rates over entire contests, we analysed fine within-bout structure this repeated, aggressive signal. We found that pattern consistent high levels fatigue initiators. The duration gaps between individual increased both from bout to bout, conclude activity costly perform. Furthermore, long pauses correlated vigour rapping subsequent which suggests pause allows for recovery induced rapping. These between-bout may be assessed noninitiators provide signal stamina.