Group Living Flashcards
What is the main focus of the study of animal groups?
Understanding animal behaviour
What forms of group living are observed in pigs?
- Female group
- Male group
- Solitary
What are the different social structures seen in horses?
- Harems
- Bachelor herds
What types of flocks are observed in sheep?
- Ewe flocks
- Seasonal male flocks
What is the significance of studying group dynamics?
- Social interaction
- Relationships between individual group members
- Dominance/competition
- Affiliation/cooperation
Why is studying species in confinement not effective for understanding social behaviour?
It does not reflect natural social behaviours
What is the purpose of the Edinburgh pig park study?
To observe natural social behaviours in domestic pigs
What are some natural behaviours observed in domestic pigs at the Edinburgh pig park?
- Nesting for sows
- Early excursion from the nest
- Social learning for foraging
- Playing as a group
What is the significance of studying feral horse populations?
Understanding herd dynamics and ecological relationships
When did the domestication of farm species occur?
10,000-15,000 years ago
What changes are typically observed in domesticated species compared to their wild ancestors?
- Smaller brains
- Less active
- Reduced alarm responses
- More socially tolerant
What does natural selection operate on?
Genetic differences
What three criteria must be met for behaviour to evolve through natural selection?
- Behavioural variation within the population
- Differences must be heritable
- Some variations confer greater reproductive success
What is ‘fitness’ in the context of animal behaviour?
The chances of survival and reproduction
How has maternal behaviour in sheep been impacted by human selection?
Modified for traits like litter size and care
What are the three theories that explain cooperation among animals?
- Kin selection
- Reciprocal altruism
- Multi-level (Group) Selection
What does Hamilton’s rule explain?
The cost-benefit analysis of altruistic behaviour based on relatedness
What is the role of kin selection in group living?
Facilitates cooperation to increase genetic contribution
What is reciprocal altruism?
Alternating benefits between individuals in long-term relationships
What fitness advantages do groups provide?
- Thermal benefits
- Foraging advantages
- Predator avoidance
What are the costs associated with group living?
- Increased visibility to predators
- Competition for resources
- Stress from social hierarchies
- Disease transmission
Fill in the blank: Groups will form to minimize costs and maximize _______.
[benefits]
What is a potential benefit of group living related to predator avoidance?
- Detection of predators
- Dilution effect
- Defense mechanisms
What is the confusion effect in predator avoidance?
Large groups reduce predator success through chaotic movements
