Definition of Term

follow

(English) For elasmobranchs, often a 'precoupling' or precopulatory behavior (Ref. 51126) in which the male closely follows the female, usually within one body length changing direction frequently as needed. It may be brief or prolonged (Ref. 51126). 'Following' is similar to the 'close follow' of Johnson and Nelson (1978) (Ref. 47987), 'parallel swimming' (Klimley 1980) (Ref. 51111), 'chasing' (Yano et al 1999) (Ref. 35892). Following is not always a reproductive nature. Myrberg and Gruber (1974) (Ref. 51141) observed that the largest bonnetheads, S. tiburo, frequently follow large members of the opposite sex within 1 m without reproductive intent. Sharks of the same sex will also closely follow each during the mating season (Ref. 49562).

Other Search Engines