Behaviour Flashcards
Altruism definition
Behaviour that benefits another individual at the cost of ones self.
what is the ‘the selfish gene’?
The more related 2 individuals are, the more it makes sense to behaviour selflessly towards each other
- Naked molerats
Richard Dawkins book
Personality definition
Long term behavioural, emotional and physiological differences in suites of traits.
what are Mirror neurons?
Neurons that respond to actions an animal observes in others. Allows for individuals to relate to others as if performing the action themselves.
Definition of learning
Permanent changes in behaviour based on past experiences.
Plasticity definition
Capability to change and shape - Modifiable.
Tinbergens origins and functions of behaviour:
What are the 4 questions?
Survival: What is it for?
Ontogeny: How does it develop over a lifetime?
Evolution: How did it evolve?
Causation: How does it work?
What is homologous?
A similar start but with a different functions; for example a flipper and an arm
What is analogous?
Similar function, but with a different start; for example feathers and fur
What is exaptation?
Reusing a characteristic in other context for survival
Ontogeny
non-genetic changes in behaviour: acquired through life, may be learned through culture
Epigenetics
How your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work.
Genetic drift
when some genes are left behind by chance. Not a process of adaption but it is a process in evolution
Neocortex in mammals has:
6 interconnected cell-layers
Appetitive behaviour is:
Behaviour motivated by desire
