Unit 3: Animal Behavior

Question 1

Fixed Action Potential

Answer 1

Simple and innate behavior.

Sign stimulus => FAP => Continues until completion or sign stimulus is removed.

Question 2

Communication

Answer 2

Transmission and reception of signals (sound, visual, chemical)

Question 3

Signal

Answer 3

Something that can cause a change in behavior

Question 4

Conspecific death

Answer 4

Animals are more likely to avoid dead/injured members of their own species

Question 5

Imprinting (learned behaviors)

Answer 5

Learning to identify “parent”, sensitive period of development

Question 6

Spatial Learning (learned behaviors)

Answer 6

Cognitive map (from memory), using landmarks to help navigate

Question 7

Associative Learning (learned behaviors)

Answer 7

Associating stimulus/behavior with a reward or punishment

Question 8

Two types of associative learning

Answer 8

Classical Conditioning- associating arbitrary stimulus with reward or punishment

Operant Conditioning- associating behavior with reward or punishment

Question 9

Cognition (learned behaviors)

Answer 9

Pattern recognition, problem solving

Question 10

Social Learning (learned behaviors)

Answer 10

Learning from observing others

Question 11

Optimal Foraging Theory

Answer 11

Maximize benefits/gains, minimize costs/risks

Question 12

Altruism

Answer 12

Putting self at risk to help others

“for the greater good” => for the entire population => enhances individual survival

Question 13

Kin Selection (altruism)

Answer 13

Parents want genes to pass onto the next generation

Question 14

Reciprocal Altruism (altruism)

Answer 14

Selfless behavior needs to go both ways.

“Cheaters” are punished.