Chapter 9- Behavioural and Reproductive adaptations Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is a biological clock?
An internal mechanism by which many plants and animals are able to keep a sense of time.
What is a circadian?
Describes a daily or 24 hour rhythm.
When do animals tend to be active?
Animals tend to be active in times that offer the lowest threat to their survival.
What are diurnal, nocturnal and crepuscular animals?
Diurnal: active during the main part of the day.
Nocturnal: active during the night.
Crepuscular: active at dusk or dawn.
What are the adaptations of a Numbat?
A behavioural adaption is that it runs rapidly across the ground and then freezes. It is diurnal and its colour allows it to camouflage when feeding.
What are some adaptations of the desert hopping mouse?
It shelters in large groups. It’s nocturnal and avoids the extreme heat remaining underground during the day. They feed in their burrows.
What are some adaptations sugar gliders (kangaroos) have ?
They produce a pungent aroma. The members of a group are spread with the scent of the dominant male and therefore it’s makes them able to locate each other. The scent also marks their territories.
What are the three types of signals used to communicate?
- acoustic signals
- chemical signals
- visual signals
What is a acoustic signal? Give an example.
A signal transmitted by sound. An example is when termites head bang.
What is a chemical signal? Give an example.
A signal transmitted by the release of specific chemicals. An example is the odour released by solider termites.
What are visual signals? Give an example.
A visual transmitted by the overt display of individuals. An example is a gorilla chest thumping.
What is an innate behaviour?
Instinctive behaviour the exhibition of which is not influenced by the experiences of the animal. It is genetic and doesn’t have to be learnt.
What is the difference of intraspecific and interspecific communication?
Intraspecific communication is between individuals of the same species and interspecific communication is between individuals of different species.
Give and example of each an intraspecific and interspecific communication signal.
Intraspecific: meerkats warning others of their colony of danger.
Interspecific: male baboon defeating his troop from predators.
What is a territory?
A place where an animal’s needs are met.
What is learnt behaviour?
A behaviour that changes, based on past experiences and trial and error.
What are marsupials? Give an example.
Mammals that give birth to undeveloped young who then spend time in a pouch till they are fully formed.
Example: possum
What is a placental? Give an example.
A mammal that develops completely into miniature forms of the adult and are nourished during gestation via placenta.
What are the benefits of living in groups?
Being able to access resources such as food, shelter and a mate. Also being in a group, gives less probability of an individual being taken by its predators.
What is social behaviour?
The behaviour of animals living in groups.
What are some disadvantages of living in groups?
The spread of diseases by overcrowding as well as used by food sources.
What is migration?
The seasonal movements of whole communities or parts of communities.
How does migration benefit the earthworm?
It benefits the earthworm by avoiding changes in temperature and water availability. As they are ectothermic organisms, they rely of their environment for some body temperature and therefore in order to function they must avoid icy and dry conditions. They do this by retreating deep into the earth.
Define adaptive value.
Behaviour that increases the chances of survival of the individual of the group.
