Parent-offspring Conflict in feral dogs: A Bioassay

TL;DR

This study empirically tests parent-offspring conflict theory in feral dogs by observing maternal food sharing behavior, revealing increased conflict over time that is intentional and unaffected by hunger or litter size.

Contribution

First empirical demonstration of parent-offspring conflict dynamics in feral dogs within their natural environment using behavioral bioassays.

Findings

Conflict increases over 4-6 weeks

Mother's conflict is intentional

Conflict not influenced by hunger or litter size

Abstract

The parent-offspring conflict theory is an interesting premise for understanding the dynamics of parental care. However, this theory is not easy to test empirically, as exact measures of parental investment in an experimental set-up are difficult to obtain. We have used the Indian feral dog as a model system to test the POC theory in their natural habitat in the context of the mother's tendency to share food given by humans with her pups in the weaning and post-weaning stage. Our behavioural bioassay convincingly demonstrates an increase of conflict and decrease of cooperation by the mother with her offspring over a span of 4-6 weeks. We also demonstrate that the conflict is intentional, and is not influenced by the hunger levels of the pups or the litter size.