Zieverink, Lousan (2025) The influence of early-life conditions on social network position and information transmission. Research Project in Scientific Discipline, Science Education and Communication.
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Abstract
This project investigates whether early-life conditions influence social network position and information transmission in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). These birds were raised under either easy (low foraging effort) or harsh (high foraging effort) developmental conditions (Koetsier & Verhulst, 2011). Social interactions were recorded using RFID tracking and analyzed through Social Network Analysis (SNA). Key metrics degree, strength, coefficient of variation and eigenvector centrality were assessed. While degree and strength were not significantly affected, birds from easy conditions showed higher eigenvector centrality, suggesting better-quality social connections. To test the link between centrality and learning, a food patch discovery task was used. No consistent differences were found in task performance between treatment groups, nor did individuals show clear learning improvement over time. Overall, early-life conditions appear to modestly influence the quality of social interactions. Network centrality was only weakly and inconsistently related to resource discovery, indicating that early-life stress does not strongly shape social position or enhance information transmission. These findings highlight the complex interplay between early experiences, social behavior, and learning in birds.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Research Project in Scientific Discipline) |
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| Supervisor name: | Verhulst, S. |
| Degree programme: | Science Education and Communication |
| Thesis type: | Research Project in Scientific Discipline |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Jun 2025 07:10 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jun 2025 07:10 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/35368 |
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