E1: Behavioral Ecology

Question 1

What is behavioral ecology?

Answer 1

The way behavior contributes to survival and reproduction depends on ecology

Question 2

What are the three strategies for optimal migration?

Answer 2

1. time minimization
2. energy minimizatoin
3. cost of transport minimization

Question 3

Describe time minimization for optimal migration.

Answer 3

• Early arrivarls increase fitness
• High energy cost
• High adult and nest predation risks

Question 4

Describe energy minimization with optimal migration.

Answer 4

Favored when use of energy is high, especially if food and resources are uncommon along the way.

Question 5

Describe cost of transport minimization in optimal migration.

Answer 5

Focused on the entire annual energy cycle.

Question 6

What are the 2 variables that can be used to model the three strategies.

Answer 6

1. fuel deposition rate (fraction of body mass accumulated per day)
2. departure load (fat and protein, fraction of body mass)

Question 7

Give an example for a species migrating and what model fits best.

Answer 7

Reed Warblers cross the Sahara Desert, time minimization model fits best

Question 8

What is the benefit of a smaller pride of lions?

Answer 8

More food intake

Question 9

What is the benefit of a larger pride of lions?

Answer 9

Greater territorial deferse against male takeovers

Question 10

What is infanticide?

Answer 10

New male lions will kill all non-weaned young in pride (8 months and younger)

Question 11

What do female lions do if they are pregnant during a male takeover?

Answer 11

They go through pseudoestrus to appear and smell receptive but actually birth the old male’s cubs.