Agonistic behavior

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Agonistic behavior refers to a range of behaviors associated with conflict. This behavior is observed in many animal species, including humans, and can be manifested in various forms such as aggression, submission, and avoidance. Agonistic behavior is a key aspect of an animal's survival and reproductive strategies.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Agonistic behavior is a type of social interaction where an individual animal responds to another in a manner that suggests opposition. This behavior is often associated with competition for resources, such as food, mates, or territory. It can involve a variety of actions, from threats and displays to physical combat.

Types of Agonistic Behavior[edit | edit source]

Agonistic behavior can be categorized into three main types: aggression, submission, and avoidance.

Aggression[edit | edit source]

Aggression is a form of agonistic behavior where an animal actively confronts another. This can involve physical attacks, threats, or displays intended to intimidate or deter the other animal.

Submission[edit | edit source]

Submission is a form of agonistic behavior where an animal yields to another, often to avoid further conflict. This can involve behaviors such as retreating, displaying submissive postures, or emitting submissive signals.

Avoidance[edit | edit source]

Avoidance is a form of agonistic behavior where an animal actively avoids another, often to prevent conflict. This can involve behaviors such as hiding, fleeing, or maintaining a safe distance from the other animal.

Factors Influencing Agonistic Behavior[edit | edit source]

Several factors can influence the occurrence and intensity of agonistic behavior. These include the animal's size, age, sex, physical condition, social status, and the availability of resources.

Role in Animal Behavior[edit | edit source]

Agonistic behavior plays a crucial role in animal behavior. It helps establish and maintain social hierarchies, regulate population density, and influence reproductive success.

See Also[edit | edit source]


This animal behavior related article is a stub.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD