Territoriality - The Advantages Of Territoriality, Types Of Territories, Defending A Territory
animals animal species family
Territoriality is the behavior by which an animal lays claim to and defends an area against others of its species, and occasionally members of other species as well. The territory defended could be hundreds of square miles in size, or only slightly larger than the animal itself. It may be occupied by a single animal, a pair, family, or entire herd or swarm of animals. Some animals hold and defend a territory year-round, and use the territory as a source of food and shelter. Other animals establish a territory only at certain times of the year, when it is needed for attracting a mate, breeding, and/or raising a family.
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Some animals will establish a territory solely for the purpose of having a place to rest. Such a territory is known as a roost, and may be established in a different area every night. Roosts are often occupied and defended by large groups of animals, for the protection offered in numbers. Individual personal spaces within the roost may be fought over as well. Roosting spots nearer the interior of …
Some animals will defend their territory by fighting with those who try to invade it. Fighting, however, is not often the best option, since it uses up a large amount of energy, and can result in injury or even death. Most animals rely on various threats, either through vocalizations, smells, or visual displays. The songs of birds, the drumming of woodpeckers, and the loud calls of monkeys are all…
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