Behavioural Ecology Flashcards

Question

Phylogeny of animals fighting Pt2

Answer 1

Aggression and lethal fighting are correlated in mammal phylogeny - evolutionary route for fighting

Answer 2

Develop a research question: The first step in planning a behavioral research project is to identify a research question. The research question should be specific and testable and should address a gap in the existing literature. It should also be relevant and have practical implications. Review the literature: Once you have identified a research question, the next step is to review the existing literature on the topic. This will help you identify gaps in the literature and provide insights into the research methods and techniques that have been used in previous studies. Choose a research design: Based on your research question and literature review, choose a research design that is appropriate for your study. This may include experimental, quasi-experimental, or observational designs. Define the study population: Identify the population you want to study, such as a particular species or group of individuals. Select appropriate measures: Choose appropriate measures for your study, such as observational, physiological, or self-report measures, depending on your research question and design. Plan data collection: Plan the data collection process, including how you will collect, record, and manage data. Consider factors such as sample size, sampling methods, and data analysis techniques. Ensure ethical considerations: Ensure that your research is conducted ethically and in accordance with relevant laws and guidelines. This may include obtaining informed consent, protecting participant confidentiality, and ensuring that your research does not cause harm to participants. Consider practical considerations: Consider practical issues such as funding, time constraints, and availability of resources. Develop a timeline: Develop a timeline for your study, including key milestones and deadlines.

Answer 3

- clear research question - clear hypothesis Choose . Species . Study site (captive or free range) . Timing of observations

Answer 4

Preliminary observations refer to a small-scale research project that is conducted before the main study. - aimed at understanding and describing the subjects and behaviour - once familiar with the behaviour, you can dej et and practice your recording methods - asses the effectiveness (reliability/validity) and modify if necessary

Answer 5

Structure - physical/ temporal pattern -posture/movement - eg lion running tongue along fur Consequences of behaviour - effect on environment, individuals or self - eg courtship feeding

Answer 6

Catalogue of discrete, species-typical behaviours that form the basic repertoire of the species

Answer 7

Comprehensive Clear Unambiguous Mutually exclusive

Answer 8

Scan sampling Continuous sampling Focal animal sampling

Answer 9

Scan sampling: Scan sampling involves observing a group of animals at predetermined time intervals (e.g. every 5 minutes) and recording the behavior of each individual at that moment. This method is often used when the behavior of the entire group is of interest, rather than individual animals.

Answer 10

Continuous Sampling: This technique involves observing a single animal continuously for a set period of time and recording all of its behaviors during that time. This method is useful for studying behaviors that occur at high frequencies or for individual animals that exhibit specific behaviors of interest.

Answer 11

Focal Animal Sampling: This technique involves selecting a single individual (the "focal animal") and observing and recording all of its behaviors for a set period of time. This method is useful for studying the behavior patterns and activity budgets of individual animals and how they may be influenced by various environmental factors.

Answer 12

Group sampling is a technique used in research to observe and collect data on the behavior and characteristics of a group of individuals, rather than focusing on specific individuals within the group. In group sampling, the researcher selects a group of individuals to observe and record data on, rather than selecting specific individuals for observation. This method is particularly useful when studying social behavior and interactions within a group.

Answer 13

Latency Frequency Duration Intensity

Answer 14

Time that elapses from event to first occurrence of behaviour

Answer 15

Number of occurrences per unit of time

Answer 16

Length of time a behaviour lasts

Answer 17

Qualitative or quantitative measure of magnitude or acuteness

Answer 18

Events are brief behaviours (point in time) Sneeze, alarm call - measured using frequency States are extended behaviours Sitting in state of grooming - measured using duration

Answer 19

Behavioural bias Anthropomorphism Effect of observer Observer bias

Answer 20

Animals may be more likely to perform a particular behaviour when they are out of site Some ages/ sex may be more affected than others

Answer 21

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, such as animals Interpreting / assigning behaviour in terms of human emotions and intentions

Answer 22

Animals may react with alarm or have more subtle changes to the way they behave The effect of the observer is the influence that the presence and actions of an observer can have on the behavior of the subjects being observed.

Answer 23

Use of unobtrusive measures: Researchers can use unobtrusive measures such as hidden cameras or remote monitoring equipment that do not require the physical presence of the observer. This helps to reduce the impact of the observer's presence on the subjects being observed. Training of observers: Observers can be trained to minimize the impact of their presence on the subjects being observed. This can include techniques such as blending in with the environment, minimizing movements, and avoiding eye contact with the subjects being observed. Habituate your study animals (Practical and ethical concerns)

Answer 24

Observer bias is a type of bias that occurs in research when an observer's expectations, beliefs, or attitudes influence the interpretation of the data or the observations they make.

Answer 25

Observer effect deals with the reaction of animals Observer bias relates to the action of the observer

Answer 26

Intra observer - (within a single observer) Become more proficient at recognising behaviour and recording info Inter observer - (between different observers) Differences in classifying behaviours Different observational and recording skills

Answer 27

Habitat selection: The behavior of animals in selecting and using their habitat can have a significant impact on their survival and reproduction. By studying the behavior of threatened or endangered species, conservationists can identify key habitats that need to be protected or restored. Migration and dispersal: The behavior of animals in migrating or dispersing across landscapes can also be important in conservation. By understanding these behaviors, conservationists can identify corridors and other important areas that need to be protected to facilitate the movement of species. Human-wildlife interactions: The behavior of humans in interacting with wildlife can have a significant impact on the survival of threatened or endangered species. By understanding the behavior of both humans and wildlife in these interactions, conservationists can develop strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence. Conservation education: Educating people about the behavior of threatened or endangered species can be an important tool in promoting conservation. By helping people understand the behaviors and needs of these species, conservationists can promote greater awareness and support for conservation efforts.