Play Among Animals

There is ample evidence of play among birds and mammals, but it seems to be lacking in the lower vertebrates. Even in mammals there are play differences in both similar and different species. Play seems to be present in rats but not in mice. The higher the species ranks on the scales of complexity, social organization, infant protection, and delayed maturation, the greater the amount of time spent in play, the greater the variety of its play, and the more complex the character of the play. This group of factors has been called the flexibility complex by one expert, meaning that the greater the need for flexibility in the adult of the species, the more play in the young.

 

Each animal species has its own characteristic types of play behavior. For example, chasing and play fighting make up most play for primates and dogs; play hunting is important among cats. Even different members of the dog family may vary in the amounts and types of their playfulness. For example, beagles play a great deal, wolves moderately, and coyotes hardly at all.

 

The amount of play depends greatly on the food supply. When food is scarce, play decreases. If there are predators in the neighborhood, play stops. Play is more easily inhibited by fear than are most other behaviors.

 

The greater the need of the animal for speed and strength when mature, the greater the amount of play in the young. The simplest interpretation at present is that play is related to the development of skill, strength, and flexibility in the adult of the animal species. Whether such play also brings the same autonomy, novelty, and flexibility to animal young as it appears to bring to the human young is beyond current scientific grasp.