Bio112 Lecture 19 Behavioral Ecology Flashcards
What is behavior in ecology?
A change in an organism’s activity in response to stimuli.
What is innate vs learned behavior?
Innate: genetically programmed. Learned: developed from experience.
What is a fixed action pattern?
A sequence of behaviors triggered by a stimulus that continues even if the stimulus is removed.
What are kinesis and taxis?
Kinesis: undirected movement in response to stimulus. Taxis: directed movement toward/away from stimulus.
Why do organisms migrate?
To find food, mates, water, or avoid unfavorable conditions.
What is optimal foraging?
Behavior that maximizes energy intake while minimizing energy spent and risk.
Why do animals communicate?
To share information about food, danger, identity, mating status, aggression, and territory.
What are the types of animal communication?
Visual, auditory (sound), chemical (pheromones), and tactile (touch).
What is altruism?
Behavior that benefits others at a cost to oneself, often seen in social animals.
What theories explain altruism?
Kin selection (helping relatives), reciprocity (expect return), and game theory (punishment for selfishness).
What is sexual selection?
Natural selection through mate choice based on traits that increase reproductive success.
What are the main types of mating systems?
Monogamy (one partner), polygyny (one male, multiple females), polyandry (one female, multiple males).
What are the benefits and costs of monogamy?
Benefits: cooperative care, mate certainty. Costs: missed other mating opportunities.
Why does ‘cheating’ occur in mating systems?
To increase reproductive success without the costs of full investment.
