title: Social networks predict selective observation and information spread in ravens.
abstract: Animals are predicted to selectively observe and learn from the conspecifics with whom they share social connections. Yet, hardly anything is known about the role of different connections in observation and learning. To address the relationships between social connections, observation and learning, we investigated transmission of information in two raven (Corvus corax) groups. First, we quantified social connections in each group by constructing networks on affiliative interactions, aggressive interactions and proximity. We then seeded novel information by training one group member on a novel task and allowing others to observe. In each group, an observation network based on who observed whose task-solving behaviour was strongly correlated with networks based on affiliative interactions and proximity. Ravens with high social centrality (strength, eigenvector, information centrality) in the affiliative interaction network were also central in the observation network, possibly as a result of solving the task sooner. Network-based diffusion analysis revealed that the order that ravens first solved the task was best predicted by connections in the affiliative interaction network in a group of subadult ravens, and by social rank and kinship (which influenced affiliative interactions) in a group of juvenile ravens. Our results demonstrate that not all social connections are equally effective at predicting the patterns of selective observation and information transmission.
authors: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology , Princeton University , Princeton, NJ 08544 , USA.
authors: Ipek G
authors: 0000-0003-0104-0365
authors: IG
authors: Kulahci
authors: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology , Princeton University , Princeton, NJ 08544 , USA.
authors: Daniel I
authors: DI
authors: Rubenstein
authors: Department of Cognitive Biology , University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna , Austria.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Bugnyar
authors: School of Biology , Leeds University , Leeds , UK.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Hoppitt
authors: Department of Cognitive Biology , University of Vienna , Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna , Austria.
authors: Nace
authors: N
authors: Mikus
authors: Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Schwab
keywords: Corvus corax; information transmission; network-based diffusion analysis; observation networks; order of acquisition diffusion analysis; social networks