Can it be established that anoles exhibit social behavior within their species?
The study of social behavior within animal populations is a captivating field of scientific inquiry.
This project focuses on the Anolis genus, commonly known as anoles, and their fascinating social interactions. These arboreal lizards exhibit diverse behaviors, making them an intriguing subject for researchers (McMann & Paterson, 2012).
One crucial aspect of anole behavior is their inclination towards social proximity or solitude. Understanding whether anoles prefer spending time close to others or exhibit a more solitary lifestyle can reveal the intricacies of their social structures and the factors that influence their behavior (Edwards & Lailvaux, 2012).
This project has the objective of closely observing and documenting the daily lives of anoles in different contexts. To achieve this, an ethogram will be used as a tool for cataloging behavior, which will enable us to identify patterns in social interactions. Throughout this journey, my hypotheses will provide valuable guidance for studying the intriguing social dynamics of these creatures. By conducting research, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of their lives in both communal and solitary environments, ultimately shedding light on the intricacies of their behavior.
Hypothesis: Do anoles spend more time in close proximity to others or alone?
Prediction: Some Individuals will display social behaviors while many will not.
Methods:
First observation: Ad libitum sampling:
On the 18th of October, I conducted ad libitum sampling to understand and familiarize myself with the behavior of the anoles so I could then make my ethogram. I briefly recorded some behaviors of an albino anole i found in front of my door from 10:14 to 10:15 pm. From 5:30 to 7:00 pm on the 19th of October, I went to my backyard and observed a brown anoles' behavior. After both observations, I chose the behavior I saw the most and made descriptions for each. I recorded all behaviors and descriptions in my notebook and used my iPhone to record the
times.