Lab 5 Flashcards
Primate Behavioral Biology
The study of primate behavior in an evolutionary context to understand both past hominin behavior and modern human behavior.
Primatologist
A scientist who studies primates to understand their adaptations, social behaviors, and evolutionary significance.
Ethogram
A comprehensive list of behaviors observed in a particular species, used for systematic study of animal behavior.
Activity Budget
A summary of the amount of time an animal spends on different behaviors such as feeding, resting, or moving.
Lab Study
A controlled study of primates conducted in an artificial setting, allowing for precise experimentation.
Field Study
A study conducted in a primate’s natural habitat, providing insight into behavior in an evolutionary context.
Ecology
The study of relationships between organisms and their natural environment, including food sources, predation, and social structure.
State Behavior
A behavior that lasts for an extended period, such as feeding, resting, or grooming.
Event Behavior
A behavior that occurs almost instantaneously, such as mating, attacking, or vocalizing.
Ad Libitum Sampling
A non-systematic method where an observer records as much information as possible, often used for rare events.
Focal Sampling
A systematic method where a researcher follows a single individual for a set period and records all behaviors observed.
Continuous Sampling
A method where an observer records all occurrences of specific behaviors continuously throughout an observation period.
Point Sampling
A method where an observer records an animal’s behavior at predetermined time intervals.
Scan Sampling
A method where an observer records the behavior of multiple individuals at specific time intervals.
Inter-Observer Reliability
A test to ensure that different researchers record behavioral observations in the same way to minimize bias.
Percent Agreement
A statistical measure used to determine how often two observers agree on recorded behaviors
Formula: 100 times (A/(A+D))
A: Num of Agreements
D: Num of Disagreements
Tool Use
The ability of primates to use objects in their environment to accomplish tasks, providing insight into cognitive evolution.
Social Structure
The organization of primates within a group, affecting mating, parenting, and dominance hierarchies.
Predation
The act of hunting and consuming other animals, an important factor in primate survival and group behavior.
Parental Care
Behaviors exhibited by primates to nurture and protect their offspring, varying by species and environmental pressures.
Sexual Behavior
The study of mating patterns and reproductive strategies among primates.
Aggression
Behaviors related to competition, dominance, or territorial disputes among primates.
Food Sharing
The exchange of food among primates, often linked to social bonds, mating strategies, or political alliances.
Pant-Hoot
A distinct vocalization used by chimpanzees for communication, often during social interactions or long-distance calls.
Grooming
A social behavior in which primates clean each other’s fur, strengthening social bonds and reducing parasites.
