evolution of behaviour Flashcards
what is evolution?
the process by which different kinds of living organisms are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth
evolution in terms of evolution vs development
process whereby a species’ heritable characteristics change over many generations
development in terms of evolution vs development
changes an animal undergoes during its lifetime → limited by genetics, influenced by the environment and experiences
why does behaviour evolve?
to suit their environment and increase their fitness
fitness (in terms of evolution)
the ability to pass on their genes to the next generations (or the ability to reproduce viable offspring)
darwinian theory 1.)
animals within a species display a range of different heritable characteristics → which include both physical and behavioural traits
darwinian theory 2.)
there is competition for resources which means that some animals in a species will not survive long enough to reproduce
darwinian theory 3.)
animals with characteristics that are better suited to their environment are more likely to surive and pass them on to offspring
darwinian theory 4.)
these successful characteristics are therefore passed on to the next generation → the traits become more represented in the population over time, leading to adaptation and possible speciation
speciation
when a group within a species seperates from other members of its species and develops its own unique characteristics
wild animal
an animal not genetically altered by artificial selection for use by humans
tame animal
a wild animal through intervention of man, has adapted behaviourally so as to be traceable and useful to humans
domestication
the process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use
instinctive behaviour
behaviour shown in all normal members of a species (AKA innate behaviour)
fixed action pattern
a chain of events / behaviours that must happen in a certain order (e.e. egg-laying behaviour
