Aggressive dominance

In the second part of this chapter, we discuss communication by pheromones and pheromone-like chemicals in the context of competition, aggression, dominance, and territorial behavior. 

Dominant adult males mark very frequently. This advertises their aggressive dominance over the other resident and intruder males. Dominant males overmark other males urine marks, while marks by dominant males are merely investigated by others. Dominant male marks guide dominant and subordinate males to stay within their territory and to avoid areas marked by other dominant males (Hurst 1990a). Juveniles use urine marks to stay within their parental territory. 

In experiments with mice and squirrel monkeys, we confirmed and extended the antagonism of amphetamine-induced motor hyperactivity by naltrexone at the same time, however, amphetamine s disruption of aggressive and social behavior was not reversed by naltrexone (Winslow and Miczek, in press). Specifically, in mice, the resident s attack and threat behavior toward an intruder was even further reduced by amphetamine after naltrexone pretreatment (figure 7). Squirrel monkeys that are dominant within their social group exhibit significantly lower levels of aggressive display toward other group members and initiate fewer social interactions after amphetamine treatment naltrexone did not block these effects. The interactive effects of amphetamine and naltrexone on locomotor behavior are consistent with the proposed modulation of dopamine-mediated functions by opioids however, the interaction between amphetamine and naltrexone on social behavior appears to involve a different mechanism. 

The majority of vomerolfactory effects discussed relate to intra-specific patterns, most concerned with social discriminations. Individual and or group membership, hierarchical status —often aggression-related, are among many non-sexual but socially indispensable elements. Social systems with evident female dominance are not infrequent among... 

There is extensive evidence that allelopathy may contribute to patterning of vegetation in natural ecosystems (11). Distinct zones of inhibition are present under and adjacent to a variety of woody species, and often toxins from their litter are implicated (J2). One might speculate that aggressive perennial weed species quickly gain dominance by exploiting allelopathic mechanisms. 

All indications are that we are only just beginning to see a few threads of the rich fabric of chemical signals that link lobsters to each other and to their environment. Exoskeleton, bladders, glands, and control of currents all indicate that these animals can be chemically quiet and release specific signals at critical times during aggression and courtship. Chemical signals appear to be used to remember individuals and to facilitate stable dominance hierarchies. 

A year later in 1942, the major governing body for African-American tennis tournaments—the American Tennis Association (ATA)—sponsored the New York Girls Singles Championship at Althea s club. With her aggressive and dominating style of play, she won the tide easily. It was her (3 0) first of what was to be many victories, on and off the court. 

Then too, sex differences doubtlessly exist for many emotions, such as the esthetic emotions (Hutt, 1972 Velle, 1992), responsiveness to infants (Goldberg et al., 1982), and dominance aggression (Ellis, 1986). These may be more substantial and more consequential than sex differences in cognition. 

Smith, P.K. and Boulton, M. (1990). Rough-and-tumble play, aggression and dominance perception and behaviour in children s encounters. Human Development, 33, 271—282. 

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