Communication Flashcards
Define communication.
Describe the honeybee dances in detail. How does it work? What sort of information is being communicated and how?
Draw and identify all the components in a signaling system.
What is a communication channel? Give several examples.
How do signal channels vary in effectiveness under different conditions and different functions? Give an example of how signals might be affected by or adapted to a habitat.
Give an example of how signals are adapted to receptor systems of potential receivers (conspecifics vs predators).
What are multimodal signals? What are some of the reasons that multimodal signals might be favored?
Where do communication signals come from (in a phylogenetic sense)?
What is sensory bias exploitation, and how would you test if it had occurred?
What is meant by an honest vs dishonest signal?
Most signals are honest. Why? Give some examples.
What is aposematic coloration? Batesian mimicry? Mullerian mimicry? Which ones involve honest vs dishonest signals?
How/why do dishonest signals persist in a population? Give some examples.
Explain non-target receivers and “illegitimate” senders. Give examples of each.
Explain how the selective pressure of signalers on receivers and vice versa can lead to a coevolutionary arms race.
