Mechanisms of social communication in caviomorph rodents

Abstract

The rodent suborder Caviomorpha comprises species with a diversity of social systems ranging from solitary to social species, including species with communal care of offspring (Ebensperger 2001; Chapters 2 and 7 in this book). Variation in sociality is thought to originate from different grouping alternatives that span from temporal aggregations to long-term associations in which juveniles remain in the natal nest (Ebensperger & Cofré 2001). From a theoretical point of view, the main way to coordinate common activities in social groups is through the use of communication signals. Sensory ecology and signal repertoires (in their respective communication modality or channel) should provide clues about the species’ capabilities to gather information, and the suitability of those signals for social coordination and communication (Pollard & Blumstein 2012). Communication is the means through which social coordination, group and/or individual recognition, communal breeding, cooperation, and other forms of social behavior could be inter-related.