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Control of Aggression by Singing in Crickets

Abstract

ETHOLOGISTS developed the idea that many animal species evolved mechanisms to control aggression among their members. This control is by the use of signals to reduce the probability of attacks by the opponent before injurious or lethal combats occur1–3. Although there are observations that are best explained by the theory, no direct experimental evidence has been presented. We report here one type of experimental evidence that seems to fit the theory.

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References

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PHILLIPS, L., KONISHI, M. Control of Aggression by Singing in Crickets. Nature 241, 64–65 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/241064a0

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