Ecology: S-G #1

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

suggestion/proposition
Possible explanation for an observation (iterative: can be changed and refined with new data) an informed, tentative explanation for a specific observation that can be tested

Question 2

Theory

Answer 2

body of interconnected concepts, supported by scientific reasoning and experimental evidence

Question 3

Variable

Answer 3

• 3 different kinds

- factor that influences processes

Question 4

Independent

Answer 4

investigator manipulates this one during the experiment, should affect dependent variable

Question 5

Dependent

Answer 5

investigator measures this one during the experiment

Question 6

Standardize

Answer 6

Factors that are kept equal in all treatments

Question 7

Control

Answer 7

Serves as a standard for comparison

Question 8

Experiment

Answer 8

test of a hypothesis

Question 9

Deductive reasoning

Answer 9

uses general principles to make a specific predictions

Question 10

Inductive reasoning

Answer 10

uses specific observation to develop general conclusions (generalizations)

Question 11

Artificial selection

Answer 11

human select certain animals to produce certain characteristics

Question 12

Natural selection

Answer 12

selection of characteristics by nature

Question 13

Speciation

Answer 13

the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution

Question 14

Evolution

Answer 14

the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth

Question 15

Supporting evidence for evolution

Answer 15

fossil record, age of the Earth (4.5 BYA) comparative anatomy, molecular evidence

Question 16

Adaption

Answer 16

is a trail with a current functional role in the life history of an organism that is maintained and evolved by means of natural selection

Question 17

Key stimulus

Answer 17

triggers the behavior

Question 18

Fixed Action Pattern

Answer 18

the actual behavior

Question 19

Releasing Mechanism

Answer 19

the process by which a stimulus evokes a response when the connection between the worth is inborn

Question 20

Classical conditioning (Pavlovian)

Answer 20

two stimuli presented together cause the organism to respond similarly to both stimuli

Question 21

Operant conditioning

Answer 21

behavior becomes associated with a reward or punishment

Question 22

Imprinting

Answer 22

developing social attachment or preferences early in life

Question 23

Habituation

Answer 23

decrease in response to a repeated stimulus

Question 24

Instinctive behavior (innate)

Answer 24

a behavior that seems to reflexive. animals and humans are born with it

Question 25

Filial Imprinting

Answer 25

social attachments form between parents and offspring

Question 26

Cognition

Answer 26

information processing that suggests thinking

Question 27

Navigation

Answer 27

the ability to set or adjust a bearing, and then follow it

Question 28

Waggle Dance

Answer 28

a form of communication. Honey bees perform it to give mates information about the location of new food sources

Question 29

Optimal Foraging

Answer 29

Natural selection favors individuals whose foraging behavior is as energetically efficient as possible

Question 30

Reinforcing Stimulus

Answer 30

a stimulus that strengthens or weakens the behavior that produced it

Question 31

Sensitization

Answer 31

increase in response to a repeated stimulus

Question 32

Kin selection

Answer 32

(direct genetic advantage to alturism) altruistic behavior where the parent has the instinctive belief that preserving the gene pool of the offspring is of higher priority than the existence of themselves

Question 33

Altricial behavior

Answer 33

• offspring require long care (need both parents)

- dependent on parents

Question 34

Altruism

Answer 34

a behavior that benefits another individual at a cost to the actor