Summary
Defending an area for feeding, mating or nesting.
In depth
Costs: patrol and defence energy; benefits: exclusive access to resources. Economic defendability: territory forms when benefits exceed costs. Signals include songs, scent marks and displays.
Territories are defended using displays first, and fights only if displays fail, reducing injury costs. Population size can be limited by territory availability, leaving non-territorial floaters.
Remember: territory differs from home range, which is the area used but not defended.
Frequently asked questions
What is Territoriality?
Defending an area for feeding, mating or nesting.
Which area of biology covers Territoriality, and how advanced is it?
Territoriality is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Communication, Dominance Hierarchies, Mating Systems.
Can you give an example of Territoriality?
Robins sing and display red breasts to defend territory.
What should I learn before Territoriality?
Territoriality is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour that pair well with it include Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour.
What topics are related to Territoriality?
The closest topics to Territoriality are Communication, Dominance Hierarchies, Mating Systems, Migration Behaviour. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Territoriality?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Territoriality. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Territoriality different from Communication?
Territoriality: Defending an area for feeding, mating or nesting. Communication: Animals pass information using sound, scent, visual displays and touch. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Territoriality step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Communication and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.