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Species: Gorilla
Use: N/A
Authors: M. P. Hoff, R. D. Nadler & T. L. Maple.
Methods: One/zero samplingPublications/Presentations: M. P. Hoff, R. D. Nadler & T. L. Maple (1981a). Development of infant independence in a captive group of low-land gorillas. Developmental Psychobiology, 14, 251:265.
BehaviorsVentro-ventral: AnimalsÕ ventral surfaces in contact.
Dorso-ventral: One animalÕs ventrum pressed against another animalÕs dorsum. Herein used exclusively in Ōback rideĶ position (infant lying on motherÕs back).
Ventral-dorso: As above. Herein used exclusively as infantÕs dorsum against its motherÕs ventrum.
Other contact: Any form of contact excluding ventro-ventral, dorso-ventral and ventro-dorsal.
Proximate: Animals not in contact, but within 3 ft (1 m) (armÕs length) of one another.
Distant: Animals between 3 and 15 ft (1 and 5 m) apart.
Far distant: Animals beyond 15 feet (5 m) apart.
Leave: Moving from a position of contact to proximate, distant or far distant.
Return: Reestablishing contact with another animal. Scores for the animal reestablishing contact, regardless of which animal left.
Social approach: Animal moving from distant or far distant to proximate (contact not established).
Follow: Moving behind and in the same direction as another animal.
Restrain: Prevent another animal from moving away.
Struggle: Animal attempting to leave another while being restrained.
Retrieval: Move another animal into closer spatial proximity as defined by the above contact variables.
Nipple contact: AnimalÕs mouth placed on anotherÕs nipple with or without suckling.
Wean: Remove an infant from the nipple.
Remove: Move another animal into a position of less close spatial proximity as defined by the above contact variables.
Social examination: Inspect another animal with fingers, feet, and /or mouth (includes stare).
Object examination: Inspection and/or manipulation of articles in the environment (does not include solitary play using objectives).
Protect: Saving an animal from possible harm (by retrieval, crouching over the animal, holding arm up, etc.).