atypical + stereotypical behaviour

Question 1

typical behaviour

Answer 1

behaviour that will promote the success and survival of the individual and its genetic contribution to the genetic population

Question 2

atypical behaviour

Answer 2

behaviour that is rarely seen in wild populations and does not promote the success / survival of the individual or the population as a whole

Question 3

stereotypical behaviour

Answer 3

• behaviour that is repetitive and serves no biological purpose
• often seen in higher vertebrates (birds + mammals)
• not so common in lower vertebrates (reptiles + amphibians) and invertebrates

Question 4

pacing

Answer 4

• continuous walking back and forth, following the same path
• signs include definite paths worn in the ground
• common in big cats, bears + elephants

Question 5

bar biting

Answer 5

• repeated biting, rubbing the mouth along or even sucking on the bars or gates in an enclosure
• can result in damage to teeth and the mouth area, particularly if the bars are rusty

Question 6

bar licking

Answer 6

• continual licking on walls, bars or gates in an enclosure
• can be displayed by bears, giraffes, camels and other hoofstock

Question 7

feeding disorders

Answer 7

• vomiting + coprophagia
• both common in great apes

Question 8

self mutilation

Answer 8

• self-inflicted physical harm
• examples include biting own tail / limbs and hitting head against wall
• common in big cats, bears and primates

Question 9

excess grooming / rubbing / feather plucking

Answer 9

• mammals can rub excessively; causing patches of bare skin and sores
• birds often feather pluck
• common in hoofstock and parrots

Question 10

head shaking

Answer 10

• standing in one place and continuously moving the head up and down, or weaving to and fro
• commonly displayed by bears and elephants

Question 11

excessive inactivity

Answer 11

• abnormal lack of physical movement or activity for long periods of time
• inactivity not influenced by stimulus such as hibernation or inactivity during winter months

Question 12

vomiting (feeding disorder)

Answer 12

repeated vomiting, eating of vomit and regurgitation

Question 13

coprophagia (feeding disorder)

Answer 13

playing with and eating faeces, smearing it on walls and glass

Question 14

reducing stereotypic / atypical behaviours

Answer 14

• providing suitable enclosures
• appropriate furnishings
• correct social groupings
• enrichment