Behaviour as a biological adaptation

Question 1

Who is Niko Tinbergen?

Answer 1

He showed that there is 4 complementary causes used to explain aspects of biology that apply to behaviour.

Question 2

What are the 4 complementary causes, as stated by Niko Tinbergen?

Answer 2

1 - mechanism - how does it work?
2 - function - what is it for?
3 - evolution - how did it evolve?
4 - development - how did it develop in the animal?

Question 3

What is the proximate explanation?

Answer 3

This describes both the development and mechanistic factors that contribute to behaviour.

Question 4

What is the ultimate explanation?

Answer 4

This describes both the function and evolutionary history that contributes to characteristics of behaviour.

Question 5

How to test if the restriction of ‘evolved, inherited’ behaviour in domestic animals affect health/welfare?

Answer 5

• Compare the behaviour of captive, domestic species with ancestral species.
• Examine the behaviour of domestic animals released into a ‘wild’ environment.

Question 6

What is considered normal behaviour?

Answer 6

Natural behavioural characteristics without any restrictions.

Question 7

What is considered abnormal behaviour?

Answer 7

If there is abnormal form, intensity, variability and direction.

Question 8

What is an ethogram?

Answer 8

Inventory of behaviours of an animal

Question 9

What are the behavioural signs of impaired welfare of an animal?

Answer 9

• Distress
• Abnormal behaviour that is not natural
• Pain, this is associated with defensive behaviours and a hyperalgesic response.
• Sickness/illness