Midterm Flashcards
What is the theory of genetic information and inheritance and who wrote it
Gregory Mandel. Like the morphology and physiology the behavior also has a genetic component
What is the theory of evolution by natural selection and who wrote it
That variation in traits exist within animals of one species and Charles Darwin
Who were the three founders of the comparative study of behavior
Konrad Lorenz, niko Tinbergen and Karl Von Frisch
What is behavioral medicine
The medicinal study of abnormal behavior. Methods used to diagnose behavior problems and modify behavior in pets
Why are the majority of animals euthanized
Due to behavior problem
Why should we study animal behavior
So we learn to interpret their natural behavior as it relates to safe handling, restraint, management practices. Also for client education and to assist researchers
Where does instinct come from
It is inherited
Where does learning come from
From the environment and experience
Give an example of physiology controlled behavior
Neutered versus non-neutered
Describe fixed action patterns
Behaviors carried out in an orderly, predictable, sequence. May not be performed identically on all occasions but should be recognizable
What is special about instinct and the way it controls behavior
Behaviors are performed without being based upon prior experience
What is essential for fixed action pattern to occur
A stimulus that will trigger it. Example Male selecting territory that it defends against other males
What are the advantages to instinct controlling behavior
It’s very efficient. Thinking about or learning the response may take too much time to respond.
What are releasers
Things that focus the animals attention on the relevant signal which will release a preprogrammed fixed action behavior that enable the animal to respond rapidly when speed maybe essential for survival
What is the definition of learning
Modification of behavior through experience