Solution-Costs of territory defense and maintenance | Homework Help

A territory is defined by a geographical area where a group of species lives, interacts with the neighbours and environment, reproduces and thereby propagates. Establishment of the territory is a most common form of behavioral approach seen in many taxa like insects, fishes, birds and mammals.

Some essential information should be learnt by the terrestrial animal species before the establishment of the territory. For establishing a territory, the pre-requisites are the availability of enough habitats, resources for food and water, and mating opportunities, climatic conditions, the risk of predators or other intruders.

If the resources in that specified region are limiting or there are greater chances of having competition with the conspecific species or unfamiliar intruders; the animals mostly avoid that region for the territorial formation. The adverse climatic condition is also considered to be a crucial factor for taking decision prior to the territorial establishment. Availability of distinct landmarks are also a pre-requisite for territorial establishment as it helps in marking their occupied habitat (Heap, Byrne, & Stuart-Fox, 2012).

Territorialism among the rhinos is a good example in this context. During the time of habitat establishment, rhinos generally limit the numbers of individuals in their group which can inhabit in a particular area. This mainly decreases the risk of habitat loss which in future may pose a greater threat. Rhinos also undertake strategies to scare of any intruding species that could limit their territorial resources and bring about severe competition.