The relation of rank to physiological state in Cnemidophorus sexlineatus dominance hierarchies
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1978 |
Authors: |
M.F. Brackin |
Publication/Journal: |
Herpetologica |
Keywords: |
adrenal state, cnemidophorus sexlineatus, dominance hierarchy, six-lined racerunner, stress |
ISBN: |
0018-0831 |
Abstract:
The six-lined racerunner, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus, maintains dominance hierarchies in captivity. Trios of ♂ ♂ were observed to determine the relation of hierarchy rank to physiological state and behavior. Rank was closely related to body weight and aggressiveness. High ranking ♂ ♂, unlike low ranking ♂ ♂, readily tried to mate with ♀ ♀. Anatomical examination showed this behavioral difference to be related to testicular state. Feeding behavior and nutritive state were not related to rank. Stress, measured by adrenal volume, was inversely related to rank. Aggression by dominant ♂ ♂ may account for adrenal hypertrophy among subordinates. This study is the first to report a relation between stress and adrenal state in reptiles.