1. Intro

Question 1

What is Behavioral Ecology?

Behavioral Ecology Overview
Key Factors in Behavior

Answer 1

Behavioral Ecology Overview
Study of behavior’s evolution and ecology link.
Evolutionary connection is central, favoring fitness-maximizing behaviors through natural selection.
Example: Elephant trunk’s energy conservation for underwater travel.

Key Factors in Behavior
Behavior tied to ecological pressures (food, enemies, habitat).
Social environment’s importance, competition for resources.

Question 2

Conservation Behavior and Behavioral Conservation

Conservation Behavior
Behavioral Conservation

Answer 2

Conservation Behavior
Application of behavior knowledge to wildlife conservation.
Imprinting on significant objects or features (e.g., red beak).

Behavioral Conservation
Study behavior amid anthropogenic changes.
Unprecedented species extinctions due to human-influenced factors.

Question 3

Ethological Framework: Four Questions
Causation of Behavior

Answer 3

Mechanisms behind behavior initiation.
Internal/external factors like nerves, hormones, environment.

Question 4

Ethological Framework: Four Questions
Development of Behavior

Answer 4

Development of Behavior

Ontogeny - how behaviors change as individuals mature.
Interplay of experiences and innate tendencies.

Question 5

Ethological Framework: Four Questions
Function of Behavior
Evolution of Behavior

Answer 5

Function of Behavior
Adaptive advantage: behavior’s impact on survival and reproduction.

Evolution of Behavior
Behavior’s origin and evolutionary history.

Question 6

Approaches to Animal Behavior
Proximate Approach
Ultimate Approach

Answer 6

Proximate Approach
Focuses on mechanisms and causation.
Examines what triggers and controls behavior.

Ultimate Approach
Emphasizes function and evolution.
Explores adaptive benefits and evolutionary origins.