Social Interactions in Island and Mainland Populations of the Deer Mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus

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Abstract
Sullivan (1977) reported important differences in the demography of island and mainland populations of the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) in British Columbia. In this paper we compare the behavioral characteristics of these insular populations with those of the mainland population. The results demonstrate that island deer mice show significantly fewer aggressive and defensive interactions than do deer mice from the mainland. There is no significant difference in general activity. It is suggested that a decrease in competition over food and the frustration of dispersal may have been important factors in the reduction of agonistic behaviors in the island populations.

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