lesson 19 Flashcards
(22 cards)
proximate causation
refers to the immediate mechanisms (hormones, neural) that causes a behavior within an individual animal
ultimate causation
evolutionary reasons for a behavior-how it contributes to survival and reproduction
components of proximate causation
physiological and ontogeny (development)
components of ultimate causation
phyleoney (evolutionary history) and adaptive significance (fitness advantage)
ethology
the study of animal behavior, primarily focusing on proximate causation
behavioral ecology
study of how behavior contributes to survival and reproduction, focusing on ultimate causation
associative learning
learning where an animal links 2 stimuli or a stimulus and a response
classical conditioning
a type of associative learning where 2 stimuli are linked (pavlov’s dog)
operant conditioning
learning where a behavior is modified through reward or punishment (skinner’s box)
What are signal modalities animals use to communicate?
acoustic, visual, chemical, electrical, vibrational, and tactile signals.
courtship communication
the verbal and nonverbal actions used by individuals to express interest in
To attract and select mates, often ensuring reproductive isolation between species.
sexual selection?
A type of natural selection where traits evolve based on mate competition and choice.
What is the difference between intrasexual and intersexual selection?
Intrasexual = competition within one sex;
Intersexual = mate choice by the opposite sex.
sexual dimorphism
Physical differences between males and females of a species due to sexual selection.
What are the four mating systems?
Monogamy
polygyny
polyandry
promiscuity
What is altruism in animal behavior?
A behavior that increases another’s reproductive success at a cost to one’s own.
What are the four explanations for helping behavior?
Mutualism
manipulation
reciprocity
kin selection
Hamilton’s rule
Altruism is favored when the cost to the donor is less than the benefit to the recipient multiplied by their relatedness (C < r × B).
inclusive fitness
The sum of direct (your own offspring) and indirect (helping relatives) fitness.
What are the types of animal group structures?
Aggregations, social groups, and colonies.
What are benefits of group living?
Increased safety, easier food acquisition, easier mate finding.
What are costs of group living?
Increased competition and visibility to predators.
