Lessons 20-3O

Question 1

What are the six Trophic Levels?

Answer 1

1. Producers – Autotrophs
2. Primary Consumers - herbivores
3. Secondary Consumers – carnivores or omnivores
4. Tertiary Consumers - predators
5. Quaternary Consumers – apex predators (not always present)
6. Decomposers (recyclers)

Question 2

Autotroph

Answer 2

An organism that can produce its own food using light, water CO2, or other chemicals.

Question 3

Producers

Answer 3

• Grass
• Release chemicals to deter predators

Question 4

Primary Consumers

Answer 4

• Mouse
• Develop strategies to maximise nutrient intake

Question 5

Secondary Consumers

Answer 5

• Fox
• May defend small territories for food and shelter

Question 6

Tertiary Consumers

Answer 6

• Wolf
• Often exhibit territorial behaviours to defend hunting ground – ensure resource availability

Question 7

Quaternary Consumers

Answer 7

• Polar bear
• Use size/strength to overpower prey to conserve energy

Question 8

Decomposers

Answer 8

• Vulture
• Opportunistic feeders – wait for other predators to leave leftovers

Question 9

How does overfeeding affect behaviour?

Answer 9

• Lethargy and Reduced Activity
• Changes in Mood and Irritability
• Food-Related Behaviours

Question 10

How do nutrient deficiencies affect behaviour?

Answer 10

Deficiencies in key vitamins such as vitamin B complex, vitamin D, and vitamin E can result in behavioural changes such as irritability, lethargy, anxiety, and even aggression in some cases.

Question 11

Why do nutrient deficiencies affect behaviour?

Answer 11

These behaviours may manifest due to the disruption of neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood and behaviour.

Question 12

Why might a poor quality diet cause excessive barking?

Answer 12

Dog food high in processed carbohydrates or artificial ingredients, they may experience blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, leading to heightened irritability or nervousness. This can make them more prone to barking at every little thing.

Question 13

Why might a poor quality diet cause aggression?

Answer 13

Diets lacking essential nutrients such as tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate serotonin levels, can lead to imbalances that make dogs more irritable or prone to aggression. Low-quality foods often lack sufficient high-quality protein, which is vital for mood stability.

Question 14

Why might a poor quality diet cause destructive chewing?

Answer 14

Poorly balanced diets may leave a dog feeling unsatisfied, prompting them to chew on objects as a way to relieve boredom or anxiety.

Question 15

Obesity

Answer 15

Obesity: An abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat, leading to excess weight and posing risks to health and welfare.

Question 16

Anorexia

Answer 16

Anorexia: A sustained loss of appetite.

Question 17

Recuperation

Answer 17

Recuperation: The process of restoring an animal back to normal health status or a state of well-being.

Question 18

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 18

Positive reinforcement: Providing a favourable consequence to a desired behaviour, in order to increase that behaviour.

Question 19

Imprinting Stage

Answer 19

• Imprinting occurs during a critical period shortly after birth where animals form strong social bonds with their species or caregivers.
• Animals are highly receptive to learning during this phase.

Question 20

Impact on learning of Imprinting Stage

Answer 20

• Animals learn vital survival behaviours (e.g., feeding, social signals).
• Poor imprinting can lead to maladaptive behaviours like overdependence on humans.

Question 21

Juvenile Stage

Answer 21

• Social interaction during this stage is crucial for learning appropriate behaviours.
• Animals learn communication signals, social hierarchy, and play behaviours.

Question 22

Impact on learning ofJuvenile Stage

Answer 22

• Animals are highly responsive to positive reinforcement during this phase.
• Lack of social interaction may result in anxiety, aggression, or difficulty learning appropriate responses.

Question 23

Impact on learning of Adult Stage

Answer 23

• Adult animals may require repetition and positive reinforcement for new behaviours.

Question 24

Impact on learning of Geriatic Stage

Answer 24

• Geriatric animals may require shorter, less demanding training sessions.
• Maintaining familiar social routines helps reduce stress and confusion.

Question 25

Impact on learning depending on health status

Answer 25

- Positive reinforcement should focus on low-stress, reward-based techniques. - Managing pain or discomfort is essential for restoring social confidence.

Question 26

Adult Stage

Answer 26

- In adulthood, animals demonstrate established social hierarchies and defined roles. - Social bonds often dictate breeding success, territory management, and cooperative behaviours.

Question 27

Geriatric Stage

Answer 27

- Older animals may experience reduced mobility, vision/hearing loss, or cognitive decline. - They may become less tolerant of social interactions.

Question 28

How does lethargy and reduced activity from overfeeding affect behaviour?

Answer 28

Lethargy and Reduced Activity: - Overweight animals may become less active and less interested in play or exercise, leading to a decrease in their overall energy levels.

Question 29

How does changes in mood and irritability from overfeeding affect behaviour?

Answer 29

Changes in Mood and Irritability: - It can also contribute to mood changes, potentially leading to increased irritability or aggression, especially if the animal is experiencing discomfort or pain due to excess weight.

Question 30

How does food-related behaviours from overfeeding affect behaviour?

Answer 30

Food-Related Behaviours: - Obese animals may exhibit behaviours like food guarding, food begging, or even food theft, as they may have an insatiable appetite due to overfeeding.