Exam 1: Class Introduction

Question 1

Define Behavior

Answer 1

predictable pattern of actions based on environment and experiences; how animals communicate and expression of hormones
- based on multitude of factors

Question 2

Who is Niko Tinbergen?

Answer 2

• ethologist: studies animal behavior under natural context
• proposed 4 animal behavior questions, given the complexities of animal behavior

Question 3

Name Tinbergen’s 4 classes of analysis?

Answer 3

1. Adaptive function of the behavior: any behavior that is adaptive that promotes survivability
   - (what is the significance for survival?)
2. What is the evolutionary history of that behavior?
   - (When addressing, really asking how the behavior originates/ how it came into existence)
3. What is the development of that behavior?
   - (Animals not necessarily born into behaviors all the time; some they start with, some are learned or grown into, etc.)
4. What are the physiological mechanisms responsible for that behavior?
   - (refer to external and internal stimuli/drivers for animal to display behavior)

Question 4

How do you consider “WHY” animal behavior questions?

Answer 4

• described as functional/ultimate
• describe using questions #1 & #2

Question 5

How do you consider “WHAT” or “HOW” animal behavior questions?

Answer 5

• described as immediate/proximate
• describe using questions #3 & #4

Question 6

Anthropomorphic

Answer 6

giving human-like traits to animals/make believe characters

Examples: Remy the rat, clothes on dogs, pet birthday cake

Question 7

Give an ultimate explanation to the following: why do frogs vocalize in the springtime?

Answer 7

• Describe using questions 1 and 2
• Defending of territory, warning others of behavior

Question 8

Give a proximate explanation to the following: How do chimpanzees learn to use tools?

Answer 8

What is the development of that behavior?
- The behavior could be taught from a parent, could mirror parental behavior
- After learning behavior with a certain tool, could use tool to help with other behaviors as well; could be taught and applied elsewhere
- (Animals not necessarily born into behaviors all the time; some they start with, some are learned or grown into, etc.)
What are the physiological mechanisms responsible for that behavior?
- Growth, learning, behavior
- External stimuli could be something along the lines of being unable to reach something they want (like food) and using a problem solving skill of using tools
- (refer to external and internal stimuli/drivers for animal to display behavior)

Question 9

Can correlations be used as scientific support for a behavior? Why or why not?

Answer 9

Yes, it can be taken into account as support and support only. However, it cannot be sole evidence toward correlations involving behavior, since correlation cannot equal causation.

Question 10

Name some examples of anthropomorphism

Answer 10

• remy the rat
• dog birthday parties
  animals in costumes
• donkey painting lol

Question 11

What is the proper sequence of steps associated with performing an experiment?

Answer 11

Observation/research, question/hypothesis, experiment, analyze, draw conclusions