Effects of chemical and visual exposure to adults on growth, hormones, and behavior of juvenile green Iguanas

摘要: For 1 year, groups of juvenile male green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were housed such that one group was visually exposed to an adult female, a second both and chemically third male, fourth male. Juvenile males signals from showed signs chronic stress, including reduced growth rates, lower testosterone levels, higher corticosterone decreased frequencies headbob display. Although visual exposure alone sufficient suppress growth, rates display, the addition chemical strengthened some these effects. Both necessary produce elevated levels. In contrast, female exhibited hormone behavior patterns typical in absence adults either sex. These results suggest dominants may serve reinforce social relationships among through their influence on physiology receivers.