Communication

Question 1

Wilson

Answer 1

Biological communication is an action on the part of one organism that alters the probability pattern of behavior in another organism in a fashion adaptive to either one or both of the participants; must be adaptive to either participant

Question 2

Ethnologists

Answer 2

Communication signals evolve to maximize effectiveness of information transfer between sender and receiver to the benefit of both; must benefit both

Question 3

Smith

Answer 3

Any sharing of information; no adaptiveness to intent, no benefit required

Question 4

Slater

Answer 4

The transmission of a signal from one animal to another such that the sender benefits, on average, to the response of the recipient; sender benefits (restrictive)

Question 5

Sociology

Answer 5

Manipulation of the receiver by the sender, receiver may benefit or be harmed, purpose of display to persuade, not to inform; deceit in message, may harm receiver

Question 6

Olfactory (chemical) communication

Answer 6

Most primitive type of receptor; slow (diffusion); can transmit in dark, around objects, long duration, long distance; pheromones in some organisms; larger molecules more diverse (e.g. for individual indemnification), but less volatile

Question 7

Auditory (sound) communication

Answer 7

Faster than olfactory; sigma variation via frequency + amplitude; can transmit in the dark + around objects; environment/distance to receiver dictates the frequency used (high frequency=short, low frequency=far); very low frequency/seismic vibrations travel long distances (4.5 times faster in salt water than air; signaler disappears when sound stops

Question 8

Visible (photons) communication

Answer 8

Fastest (speed of light=299,702,458 m/s); requires line of sight + some light (unless make light); rapid transmission (stops when display stops) or long lasting (morphology); complexity (color, brightness, patterns, movements); shows sender location; weaker with distance (not good for long distances)

Question 9

Touch communication

Answer 9

Quick; only short distances; used in dark/low light; grooming behavior in primates

Question 10

Electric field communication

Answer 10

Electroreceptors; use in dark, around objects; short distances (1-2 m); communicate gender/species via signal modulation; change wave form, frequency, + timing of discharge; school coordination, threat, warning, submission, location

Question 11

Surface wave communication

Answer 11

Propagation of disturbances from place to place in a regular + organized way