Ethology Flashcards
What is the focus of the ethological explanation
An ethological explanation aims to understand innate behaviour by studying animals (including humans) in their natural environment. It seeks to account for behaviour in terms of its adaptive value to a specific species.
What is the ethological view on aggression and its adaptive function?
Aggression is considered an innate behaviour with adaptive functions, protecting resources like land and food. Ethologists argue that if a behaviour is innate, it must be beneficial for the organism’s survival.
How does aggression contribute to survival, according to evolutionary psychologists?
Aggression can aid survival by protecting resources, establishing dominance hierarchies, and ensuring access to essential resources, including mates.
What did Lorenz propose about aggression in animals?
Lorenz proposed that aggression in animals is often ritualistic, serving as a symbolic deterrent. Ritualistic aggression, like ‘teeth baring,’ is considered more adaptive than direct aggression, as it avoids physical harm that could impair reproduction or result in death.
According to ethological theory, what can aggression result from?
Aggression, according to ethological theory, can result from an evolved automatic biological response in the brain.
What is the role of the Innate Releasing Mechanism (INR) in ethological explanations?
The INR, an inbuilt biological structure or process, plays a crucial role in ethological explanations of aggression. It is activated by specific stimuli (releasers), such as facial expressions, triggering an automatic behavioral response.
What is the Fixed Action Pattern (FPA) in the context of aggression?
The Fixed Action Pattern (FPA) represents the consequential aggressive behavioural sequence triggered by the Innate Releasing Mechanism (INR). It is an automatic response activated by specific stimuli.
How do innate releasing mechanisms contribute to the ethological approach to aggression?
Innate releasing mechanisms, including the INR, are integral to the ethological (instinctive) approach to aggression. They are key components in understanding behaviours like aggression and courtship/mating.
Provide an example illustrating the role of the INR and FPA in aggression.
For example, when a dog sees a cat running away, the innate releasing mechanism (INR) is activated, triggering the fixed action pattern (FPA) of chasing. This automatic and instinctual desire to chase is a response to the cat or any small animal running away.
