Personality composition determines social learning pathways within shoaling fish.

ABSTRACT: In shaping how individuals explore their environment and interact with others, personality may mediate both individual and social learning. Yet increasing evidence indicates that personality expression is contingent on social context, suggesting that group personality composition may be key in determining how individuals learn about their environment. Here, we used recovery latency following simulated predator attacks to identify Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) that acted in a consistently bold or shy manner. We then employed network-based diffusion analysis to track the spread of a novel foraging behaviour through groups containing different proportions of bold and shy fish. Informed associates promoted learning to a greater extent in bold individuals, but only within gro

SUBMITTER: Hasenjager MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7657854 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature