Ethological Explanation Flashcards
What is the ethological explanation
Seeks to understand the innate and adaptive value of behaviour in animals by studying them in their natural environments
What is a sign stimulus
A specific stimulus which triggers the innate releasing mechanism
What is an innate releasing mechanism (IRM)
A neural network which is activated by an external stimulus (sign stimulus), which in turn, triggers a fixed action pattern of behaviours associated with that stimulus
What is a fixed action pattern (FAP)
A sequence of stereotyped, pre-programmed behaviours triggered by an innate releasing mechanism (IRM), which do not require learning
What is ritualistic aggression
Aggressiveness being ritualised (series of behaviours carried our in a set order) in the form of threat displays
State examples of ritualistic aggression
Gorilla beating chest, snake raised neck, cat displaying claws
Why is ritualistic aggression adaptive
It prevents an animal being damaged and potentially killed- facilitating the survival of the wider species
What is a study which shows support for the role on an IRM and FAP in aggressive behaviour
Tinbergen et al. (1951) investigated the presence of another male stickleback with a sign stimulus of red underbelly activated an IRM- caused male to release FAP of aggression towards other male
Describe a study which suggests that aggression could be learnt due to differences in cultures, rather than innate
Nisbett (1993) found killings more common in US southern states compared to northern- could be due to a learnt social norm
Explain why FAPs might not be that fixed
Hunt (1973) argued the role of environmental factors has been underestimated- FAPs can be modified by experience and from our learning- coined the term modal behaviour pattern
State the 6 main features of a FAP according to Lea (1984)
Universal, stereotyped, innate, ballistic, specific triggers and single purpose
What is an appeasement display
Aggressive confrontations end with ritual appeasement duplas which indicate acceptance of defeat and inhibit further aggression behaviour in the victor, preventing any damage to the loser
