The influence of relationships on neophobia and exploration in wolves and dogs

摘要: Exploration is important for animals to be able gather information about features of their environment that may directly or indirectly influence survival and reproduction. Closely related exploration neophobia, which reduce exposure danger, but also constrain explorative behaviour. Here we investigated the effects social relationships on neophobia in wolves, Canis lupus, dogs, familiaris. Eleven pack-living wolves reared by human foster parents 13 identically raised kept dogs were tested a novel object test under three different conditions: (1) alone, (2) paired with pack mate (3) together entire pack. Dogs less neophobic than interacted faster objects. However, showed overall interest objects longer dogs. Both manipulated when alone. While kinship facilitated investigation pair condition both rank distance had opposite effects. Our results suggest presence conspecifics supported particularly within kin this interpreted as risk sharing. The reduced latency approach time spent exploring compared an effect domestication.