Watterson, L. Klein, E. O'Hara, F. Nguyen, S.
This paper investigates the strategic use of squeaks by naked mole rats within the framework of game theory. Our analysis reveals that, contrary to popular belief, these subterranean rodents are not mindless burrowing machines, but are in fact skilled players in the game of survival. Through a series of experiments and simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of various squeak-based strategies, such as the "decoy squeak" and the "frenemy squeak," in a variety of game situations. These findings shed light on the complex social dynamics at play in naked mole rat colonies and provide valuable insights into the behavior of other seemingly simple creatures. Future research could explore the potential applications of these strategies in areas such as negotiating salary raises and winning arguments with in-laws.