Game is not just for puppies! Adults in the animal kingdom also run around like real champions of playfulness. What could be better than a good ‘hide-and-seek’ or ‘crazy run’ to keep fit? But beware, it’s not just about having fun. Playing is real fitness training for the body, for the mind and a school of life for social relationships.
Games and functions
Play allows young animals to develop and refine behavioural patterns that will be essential in adult life. Thus, puppies learn about their bodies, explore their surroundings and develop motor and cognitive skills.
Play fosters social interaction between individuals, helping to establish hierarchies and strengthen bonds within the group. This is particularly evident in social mammals such as primates and canids, where play can help reduce tensions and promote cooperation.
Through playful activities, animals improve their strength, agility and coordination. This is crucial for their survival, as many of these skills are directly applicable to hunting, escape from predators and other vital activities.
Primates, like monkeys, are known for their complex play behaviour. Play among young primates includes simulated fights, chases and games with objects. These activities are also crucial for forming social bonds and learning group dynamics.
Baby canids, like wolves and dogs, participate in fights and chases that mimic hunting techniques; this also establishes hierarchies within the pack. Dolphins are known for their playful behaviour, which includes spectacular jumps, acrobatics and interactions with algae and fish. Their repertoire also includes manipulating objects and blowing bubbles.
Environmental and social contexts
While it is true that play is more common among the young, many species continue to play into adulthood.
This behaviour can have multiple functions, such as strengthening social bonds, reducing stress and promoting cooperation within the group. Play is a versatile behaviour that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of group dynamics.
In elephants and dolphins, for example, play between adults has been observed as a means of resolving conflicts in a non-aggressive manner.
Theexternal environment can greatly influence play behaviour.
In fact, captive animals show different behaviour than their wild counterparts due to differences in surroundings and play opportunities. Dolphins in particular tend to show more varied and frequent playful behaviour in stimulus-rich environments.
Differences in play behaviour between different species reflect their evolutionary, social and environmental needs.
Studies and observations
Ethologists therefore observe animals in their natural environment or in captivity to document maximum variability in behaviour. This makes it possible to collect detailed data on how, when and with whom animals play.
The use of video cameras makes it possible to record and analyse behaviour in detail, allowing researchers to review interactions and identify specific patterns.
A real branch of game psychology has been adapted to animal studies. Scientists create controlled environments (Experimental Settings) in which they can manipulate specific variables and observe reactions. New toys can be introduced or the composition of the group modified.
Studying the play behaviour of different animal species can reveal valuable information about the ethology of play. Sometimes, we can even observe animals of different species interacting and trying to play together.
This phenomenon also occurs between animals of different ages or living in different environments.
But sometimes, it doesn’t take much analysis to notice that our four-legged friend is simply happy to play with us. And let’s face it, this is also a great way to do team building!
Play for the planet!