Which activity is NOT typically associated with play behavior in animals?

The activity that is not typically associated with play behavior in animals is marking territory. Play behavior in animals is characterized by activities that involve social interactions, physical engagement, and the development of skills important for survival, such as hunting or social bonding with other members of their species.

Chasing and fetching, tug of war, and play nipping and mouthing all represent activities that promote these aspects of play. They foster physical exercise and often involve other animals or humans, enhancing social bonds. In contrast, marking territory is a functional behavior related to communication and establishing ownership of an area, often linked to mating and resource control, rather than an activity performed for enjoyment or social interaction. It serves a different purpose, primarily for survival and reproduction, rather than for the development of skills through playful activity.