Social networks in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

D P Croft, J Krause, Richard James

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

247 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Social network theory is used to elicit details of the social structure of a population of free–ranging guppies, Poecilia reticulata. They were found to have a complex and highly structured social network, which exhibited characteristics consistent with the ‘small world’ phenomenon. Stable partner associations between individuals were observed, a finding that fulfils the basic prerequisite for the evolution of reciprocal altruism. The findings are discussed in relation to the ecology and evolution of the wild population, highlighting the potential application of network theory to social associations in animals.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S516-S519
JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Volume271
Issue numberSuppl_6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

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