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Hormonal Regulation of Begging Behaviour

  • Chapter
The Evolution of Begging

Abstract

Begging is the first coordinated behaviour altricial birds perform after hatching. As the neuromuscular substrates, brain, sensory organs and endocrine systems mature, this simple reflex develops rapidly into a more complex behaviour that is influenced by external stimuli and by internal signals such as hormones. In this chapter we discuss the maturation of endocrine systems and the role of hormones in the regulation of begging in altricial birds and describe the development of physiological systems that may influence begging performance. First, we elaborate on the neuromuscular and sensory substrates that may be involved in the begging response. Then, we describe the development and maturation of relevant endocrine regulatory systems that may influence intensity, frequency and duration of begging. We also discuss effects of endogenous and maternally-derived hormones on the development, regulation and performance of begging. Finally, we suggest several approaches to the study of begging that may be useful for testing evolutionary theories such as parent-offspring conflict, sibling rivalry and parental favouritism.

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  1. School of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99163-4236, USA

    Hubert Schwabl & Joseph Lipar

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  1. Hubert Schwabl
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  1. School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK

    Jonathan Wright

  2. Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

    Marty L. Leonard

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Schwabl, H., Lipar, J. (2002). Hormonal Regulation of Begging Behaviour. In: Wright, J., Leonard, M.L. (eds) The Evolution of Begging. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47660-6_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47660-6_12

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