https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2 Play is a learned social behavior in animals. en-us 2021-04-21 18:31:51 UTC 2025-11-01 17:12:17 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f436.png nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444043272 Cordoni, Giada. “Social Play in Captive Wolves (Canis Lupus): Not Only an Immature Affair.” 
Behaviour, vol. 146, no. 10, Oct. 2009, pp. 1363–1385. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1163/156853909X427722.

Palagi, Elisabetta, et al. “Short-Term Benefits of Play Behavior and Conflict Prevention in Pan Paniscus.” 
International Journal of Primatology, vol. 27, no. 5, Oct. 2006, pp. 1257–1270. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s10764-006-9071-y.]]> 2021-04-21 18:33:27 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444043272 nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444191596 Play behavior is usually described as a behavior that is repeated, done
in a relaxed or low-stress setting, and is different from more serious
behaviors. Play behaviors are also usually only exhibited when there is not another higher priority such as mating
or hunting. There are three different types of play: object play, social play, 
and locomotor play. Play behavior occurs in many species, including dolphins, wolves, primates, rats, and even horses. Although it was previously thought that playing only occurred in juvenile animals, some species continue playing behaviors into adulthood. ]]> 2021-04-21 19:06:52 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444191596 nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444192556 Looking specifically at wolves, playing behaviors serve numerous functions. First, social play helps the members of the group predict each other's behaviors. 
Second, it may also provide a form of physical training in preparation for hunting or fighting for dominance in the group. Social play can also help with dominance relationships by helping the participants learn each other's weaknesses and strengths. This is also sometimes called social assessment. However, these are just the possible evolutionary benefits of social play for wolves. The benefits of play can vary from species to species. In one study on wolf play behavior, a group of wolves was studied during a mating period and non-mating period. The researcher made five different predictions. The researcher first predicted that social play would be more frequent than solitary play, and that hypothesis was confirmed. The second prediction was that males and females would play similarly since both male and female wolves in a non-mating period perform similar roles. This second hypothesis was also confirmed. The third hypothesis was that play would decrease as the rank difference between the playmates increased. This meant that wolves with lower status were less likely to play with wolves of higher status. This third hypothesis was also confirmed - wolves with closer ranking positions tested each other for social assessment. The fourth hypothesis was that play frequency would increase social bonds and decrease aggression levels. This hypothesis was not confirmed! The researcher was not able to determine a correlation between the amount of play and the strength of social bonds or decreased aggression levels. The last prediction was that play would occur when the animal was not under social, physiological, or environmental stresses such as cold, heat, lack of food, or lack of sleep. It was hypothesized that this might occur because of a need to conserve calories and prevent injury. This hypothesis was also confirmed. When the wolves were hungrier and more stressed, they played with each other less. ]]> 2021-04-21 19:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1444192556 nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457306281 "Social play is not just limited to wolves and canines. Many primates
also participate in social play into adulthood. However, their reasons
are slightly different than with canines. Primates typically match
grooming with social play since both require close contact, and both
of them contribute to social cohesion. Reducing the amount of social
tension is very important before feeding, also known as prefeeding. 
Interestingly, both grooming and social play in bonobos and chimps are higher during prefeeding, a time of stress for primates. One
study conducted suggested the exact opposite of a widely-held belief
about social play: that social play decreases when stress increases.
In primates such as bonobos, this seems to be the exact opposite.
Play increases when stress increases, possibly as a way to regulate stress." 

Palagi, Elisabetta, et al. “Short-Term Benefits of Play Behavior and Conflict Prevention in Pan Paniscus.” 
International Journal of Primatology, vol. 27, no. 5, Oct. 2006, pp. 1257–1270. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s10764-006-9071-y.]]> 2021-04-26 00:40:43 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457306281 nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457331921 2021-04-26 00:51:31 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457331921 nehemiah1705404 https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457339035 Playing as a social behavior serves many functions, depending
on the species. Overall, it is meant to help both of the individuals
playing. It is a positive, positive exchange, benefitting both members of the group. Not only can it help with establishing social dominance like in wolves, but it also can relieve stress such as in primates. Social play seems to benefit every species in multiple ways.  ]]> 2021-04-26 00:54:12 UTC https://padlet.com/nehemiah1705404/br793tz3sh1f4fx2/wish/1457339035