Animal Orientation/Responses Flashcards
Define the adaptive advantages of a biological clock.
The ability to anticipate environmental changes, prepare for extremes, and time mating with physiological readiness.
All of which enhance survival and reproduction.
What happens to animal groups when there is a loss of strong males?
The loss of strong males can impact group management, protection, and breeding, potentially leading to decreased reproductive success.
Describe the free running period in biological rhythms.
The free running period refers to the natural rhythm of an organism that occurs under constant conditions without external cues, indicating that biological rhythms can persist even in the absence of environmental signals.
Explain the adaptive advantages of animal rhythms.
Better food supply, improved avoidance of predators/competition/harsh environmental conditions, ensures reproductive activity.
Increasing chance of survival and reproductive success.
Describe the differences between nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular activity patterns.
Nocturnal = active at night
Diurnal = active during the day
Crepuscular = active during dawn and dusk.
Explain the concept of a ‘circannual cycle.’
An annual biological rhythm that influences the behavior and physiological processes of animals over the course of a year.
Where is the biological clock located in mammals?
Primarily located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which processes information from the retina, interpreted by optic nerve and signals pineal gland (produces melatonin - zeitgeber)
Describe the impact of interspecific competition on species evolution.
Interspecific competition can exert strong selection pressure on competing species, leading to divergent evolution.
Define exogenous rhythm in the context of biological clocks.
Exogenous rhythm refers to rhythms that are externally driven by environmental cues, known as zeitgebers, such as sound, temperature, humidity, and light.
Define herbivory.
Herbivory is the act of eating plant matter.
How does the circa tidal cycle influence animal behavior?
The circa tidal cycle, which is in sync with the rise and fall of sea levels, affects animal behavior by dictating activity patterns based on tidal changes.
Describe the impact of losing strong males in a population due to Intraspecific Competition.
Losing strong males can negatively impact group management, protection, and breeding within a population.
How does Gause’s Principle relate to interspecific competition?
Gause’s Principle states that the greater the niche overlap and the more limited the resources, the more intense the competition between species.
How does Intraspecific Competition drive natural selection?
Intraspecific Competition acts as a driving force behind natural selection by favoring individuals with desirable alleles, making them more likely to win competitions and pass on their traits.
Define zonation in ecological terms.
Zonation is a horizontal dispersal pattern of species according to their tolerance to varying environmental conditions.
What role do zeitgebers play in regulating animal rhythms?
Zeitgebers are external environmental cues that help synchronize an animal’s internal biological clock with the external environment.
What are the adaptive advantages of a biological clock in or animals?
Able to anticipating periodic environmental changes allows animals to avoid & prepare for it. Maximize feeding opportunities, avoid predators, and reduce competition.
Define ecological niche.
The role a species plays in its biological community, including where it lives and how it lives, along with its adaptations.
Describe mutualism.
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit.
Describe interspecific interactions in the context of biological rhythms.
Interspecific interactions involve interactions between different species that provide benefits to at least one party, which can influence biological rhythms and behaviors.
