Lecture 6: Behavioural Ecology

Question 1

Proximate Causes

Answer 1

• immediate
• how the behaviour occurs

Question 2

Ultimate Causes

Answer 2

• the evolutionary and historical reasons why the behaviour occurs
  Ex. puppy dog eyes why does the behaviour occur and its evolutionary history

Question 3

Optimal Foraging Theory

Answer 3

• Animals will maximize the amount of energy gained per unit of feeding time (profitability), and minimize the risks involved
• This does not apply well to animals that eat mobile prey
• Animals might not conform to models as evolution is not perfect
• The assumption that energy is in short supply and that this dictates foraging behaviour may not always hold

Question 4

Total Energy Obtained

Answer 4

• will increase and eventually level off
• Worms closer will be more profitable than worms further away

Question 5

Cumulative energy Investment

Answer 5

• Spent some energy before even starting foraging effort

Question 6

Net energy gained

Answer 6

• Relationship b/w total obtained, and cumulative energy invested

Question 7

Monogamy

Answer 7

Male mates with one female, both involved in parental care

Question 8

Polygyny

Answer 8

Male mates with multiple females, female provides most or all of parental care

Question 9

Polyandry

Answer 9

One female mates with multiple males, male provides most or all of parental care

Question 10

Promiscuity

Answer 10

both males and females mate with multiple partners