Signalling in territorial systems: a context for individual identification, ranging and eavesdropping

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Abstract
Territorial systems are characterized by the relative longevity and stability of interactions between neighbouring individuals. Two abilities of signal receivers that can be seen as adaptations increasing the efficiency of territory defence will be discussed: identifying neighbouring individuals and ranging (i.e. determining the distance to) signallers. The costs involved in such discriminations will also be outlined. Although signalling has been traditionally considered as occurring between two individuals (signaller and receiver), long-range signals will be received by many individuals. In territorial systems a group of neighbours could be considered as a communication network: consisting at its simplest of a signaller and a number of receivers. The scope for low cost, low-risk information gathering in such networks by eavesdropping will be discussed with particular reference to territorial songbirds and electric fish.