5. orientation response in animals

Question 1

what is taxis?

Answer 1

whadirectional response involving the movement of an animal towards or away from an external stimulus

Question 2

what is kinesis?

Answer 2

non-directional response when the rate of movement or activity is influenced by an external stimulus

Question 3

what is orthokinesis?

Answer 3

change in the speed of an animals’ movement

Question 4

what is klinokinesis?

Answer 4

change in the rate of turning of an animals’ movement

Question 5

what is homing?

Answer 5

the ability of an animal to return over unfamiliar territory to its ‘home’ on a regular basis

Question 6

list the methods of navigation (8 types)

Answer 6

1. landmarks
2. solar (sun moves east to west)
3. stellar (constellations)
4. magnetic (magnetic field lines and poles)
5. chemical (scent trails)
6. sonar (sound waves/echolocation)
7. ocean currents (tidal patterns)
8. instinct/genetics (inherited)

Question 7

what is migration?

Answer 7

the movement of an individual from one geographic location to another.

Question 8

2 ways to prep for migration?

Answer 8

1. laying down layers of fat ot provide sufficient energy
2. moulting feathers to ensure maximum flight efficiency

Question 9

give 3 advantages of migration…

Answer 9

1. animals remain in favourable conditions all year round
2. abundant food source and daylight hours to forage
3. colonisation of a new area
4. avoid predators/diseases
5. increase genetic diversity as different populations breed and interact

Question 10

overall significance of migration

Answer 10

enables the avoidance of harsh conditions with the lack of food and ensures favourable breeding conditions. This maximises breeding opportunities for greater reproductive success and evolutionary fitness of migrants.

Question 11

give 3 disadvantages of migration…

Answer 11

1. harsh weather conditions = animals become lost or blown off course
2. increased predation on route
3. insufficient energy to complete the journey
4. navigation failure
5. starvation or injury
6. not enough energy to successfully breed

Question 12

what are some triggers/timing responses of migration?

Answer 12

• PHOTOPERIOD (aka changes in dya length) = measured by an internal clock as more reliable than temp fluctuations
• genetic predisposition controlled by endogenous rhythms
• animals reach sexual maturity