Communication

Question 1

Define communication

Answer 1

The provision of a signal (typically containing information) from one animal (the sender) to another animal (the receiver), which has an influence on the receiver’s behaviour

Question 2

Define signal

Answer 2

A packet of energy or matter generated by one individual (the sender) which is selected for in its effects in altering the behaviour of another individual (receiver)

Question 3

Define cue

Answer 3

A feature associated with one individual that another individual uses to guide its own behaviour, but that feature has not evolved for that purpose

Question 4

What is an example of a cue?

Answer 4

Mosquitoes use CO2 to detect mammals, but the mammal isn’t signalling its presence! – signals and cues are slightly different

Question 5

What are some ways a cue can evolve into a signal?

Answer 5

Exaggeration, repetition and “alerting” component: ritualisation

Question 6

What are the six modes of signalling?

Answer 6

Visual
Acoustic
Chemical
Seismic
Tactile
Electrical

Question 7

What are some visuals factors in signalling?

Answer 7

Pattern, colour and motion

Question 8

What are some acoustic factors in signalling?

Answer 8

Tone, volume and pattern

Question 9

What is an example of when signal modalities can be combined?

Answer 9

Small torrent frog uses vocalisation and foot flagging (visual and auditory)

Question 10

Which three elements are being communicated?

Answer 10

Species identification
Group identification
Individual identification

Question 11

What are examples of species identification?

Answer 11

Character displacement: pied and collared flycatchers

In sympatry male look very different, aiding females in discriminating between species (reproductive success)

Question 12

What is an example of group identification?

Answer 12

Killer whale pods have distinct vocal signatures

Question 13

What is an example of individual identification?

Answer 13

Required for cooperative interactions with kin or mates (need to recognise each other – iterative interactions)

Question 14

What seven pieces of information that is useful to the receiver?

Answer 14

Conflict
Territorial
Sexual interactions
Parent offspring
Social integration
Environmental information
Auto-communication

Question 15

What is a good signal?

Answer 15

2 outcomes - only one pays off for the signaller

Question 16

How can receiver psychology be hijacked by the signaller?

Answer 16

Stimulate receiver’s sense organs and sensory exploitation

Question 17

What is an example of how receiver psychology can be hijacked by the signaller?

Answer 17

Artificial plume females showed preference even though unnatural – in future if some variants showed more fluffed up feathers on head, reproductive advantage causing selection

Question 18

What is eavesdropping?

Answer 18

Signal overheard by someone its not intended for

Question 19

How might eavesdropping affect mating?

Answer 19

Male signals to female for mating; predator or rival male may hear and interfere

Question 20

What is an example of eavesdropping?

Answer 20

Siamese fighting fish - one fish observes fight, divider in control fish does not see, observer even though not involved with the fight change in behaviour (longer to display winner)

Question 21

What do honest signals require?

Answer 21

Cost or constraint

Question 22

What are the four honest signals?

Answer 22

Common interest
Handicaps
Index signals
Social policing

Question 23

Why is common interest an honest signal?

Answer 23

When signals are kept honest because both individuals (signaller and receiver) want the same outcome - mating

Question 24

Why are handicaps honest signals?

Answer 24

Example: male peacocks only have the energy to make and manoeuvre their plumage when they are in good genetic condition and therefore they attract the females because of their good genetics

Question 25

Why are index signals honest?

Answer 25

Example: larger deer have larger larynx and deeper roar because they are big (vocal attraction but they are actually a desirable mate)

Question 26

Why is social policing honest?

Answer 26

Example: Harris Sparrow artificial enhancement (dye) of bib caused increased attack – supplement with testosterone (less severe attack)

Question 27

What are the four dishonest signals?

Answer 27

1. False alarm calls (drongos etc)
2. Batesian mimicry
3. Predators luring prey (crab spiders)
4. Sneaker males