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1. Sociology and psychology research, such as the Robbers Cave study ( https://bit.ly/3peNiho ), suggests groups become more cohesive when they fight with other groups. The same tests in non-human animals are less conclusive. Why? 
#AnimBehav2021
#AnimBehav2021
2. Results from animal behaviour studies may differ because of varying definitions of #conflict & #cohesion. We tested the ‘conflict-cohesion hypothesis’ during intergroup fights in banded mongooses at the @MongooseProject in 
#AnimBehav2021
#AnimBehav2021
3. We defined cohesion as a collective, defensive response to intergroup conflict. We simulated conflicts by presenting focal groups with caged intruders from rival groups & quantified how the focal group responded using 3 metrics. #AnimBehav2021
4. Greater proportions approached and acted defensively toward rival stimuli compared to controls (cohesion increased). However, group behaviours were more diverse, not less, 
in response to rivals (cohesion decreased). #AnimBehav2021
in response to rivals (cohesion decreased). #AnimBehav2021
5. Why were behaviours more diverse in response to rivals? 
Groups increased the use and diversity of defensive behaviours. Groups still responded appropriately, but individuals did so in different ways. #AnimBehav2021
Groups increased the use and diversity of defensive behaviours. Groups still responded appropriately, but individuals did so in different ways. #AnimBehav2021
6. Overall, our results support the conflict-cohesion hypothesis. They also highlight that, although cohesion may involve collective behaviour, group members do not have to behave in the same way to achieve competitive success. #AnimBehav2021
