Abstract
The series of experiments that comprise this thesis used shell fights in the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus as a model system to address the proximate physiological and whole-organism correlates of contest behaviour. These correlates of fighting ability ranged from the metal ions magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+), through respiratory pigments and muscular proteins to whole-organism performance capacities and behavioural syndromes. This broad-spectrum approach thus allowed the study of a suite of mechanisms which may influence agonistic behaviour and fighting ability.
Awarding Institution(s)
University of Plymouth
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
2009
Deposit Date
June 2024
Additional Links
Recommended Citation
Mowles, S. (2009) Physiological and whole-body correlates of contest behaviour in the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus. Thesis. University of Plymouth. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.24382/1553
