This website was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Biology 323, Animal behavior, at Davidson College in the Spring Semester 2009.

Play Behavior in Mammals

Table of Contents

Abstract

Play Defined

Play Costs

The Evolution of Play

Theories of play:

Surplus of Energy

Search for Regularities

Exercise

Preparation for Adult Life

Categories of Play:

Experimentation/Curiosity/Problem Solving

Social Play

Play Fighting

Play Signals/ Self-handicapping

Locomotor Play

Object Play

Nursing Play

Sex Play

Imitative Play and Fantasy Play

Concluding Thoughts

Case Study

References