Structure, elasticity and diversity of animal behavior

The definition of behavior , t he st ruct ure of behavior and diversity of behavior have been ig2 nored by researchers for a long time.We defined t he concept s of elasticity and inelasticity of animal be2 havior.We also st udied t he space requirement s for animals to perform behavior.Based on t hese basic concept s , we discuss t he relationship between habitat element s and behavioral diversity.We discovered t hat captive space affected t he social behavior and communication behavior in Pè re David' s Deer.Available space also had a profound impact on aggregation behavior.Pè re David' s Deer t hat were kept in small pens showed no sign of sexual segregation.However , when t he deer were released into t he field , t he stag left t he hinds.Sexual segregation , which had been suppressed in t he Pè re David' s deer population held in small pens , was resurgent once t he animals had more space.We also discovered t hat male and female giant panda living in a larger captive space had more court ship behaviors and spent more time on activities.Thus space had a profound impact on court ship behavior of male or female gi2 ant pandas.Animals living in captive environment s for generations may only perform behaviors of high inelasticity and may loose behaviors of elasticity.Such a process will reduce behavioral diversity.Tak2 ing t he saiga and Mongolian wild ass as examples , we point out t hat we should consider escape space and seasonal migration space requirement s when we keep endangered ungulates in captivity or establish reserves for t hem.Diversity of animal behavior is not only a f undamental component of biodiversity but it is also relevant to t he successf ul conservation of endangered species , particularly ex sit u conserva2 tion.When we attempt to preserve endangered species in captivity , we should pay special attention to maintaining Ξ