Module 4: Behaviour and Ecology Flashcards
Simple vs. Complex Behaviours: What are fixed action patterns, and how do they differ from other types of behaviors?
Fixed action patterns are relatively simple, unchangeable behaviors that are elicited by a specific, relatively simple stimulus, and which usually go to completion once elicited. They differ from other types of behaviors in that they are highly stereotyped and often involve a specific sequence of movements or actions that are not modifiable in response to changing circumstances.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviours: What was the significance of Tinbergen’s experiments on animal behavior?
Tinbergen’s experiments on animal behavior were significant in that they demonstrated the importance of rigorous experimentation in understanding the complex interplay between external stimuli and innate behavioral responses. His work helped to establish the field of behavioral ecology and has influenced generations of scientists in their study of animal behavior.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviours: What is an example of a fixed action pattern from Tinbergen’s work on three-spine sticklebacks?
One example of a fixed action pattern from Tinbergen’s work on three-spine sticklebacks involves the bright red coloration displayed by males during territorial defense and courtship. Tinbergen discovered that the color red was a highly specific elicitor of this behavior and that even crude models of sticklebacks painted red could elicit aggressive responses from males.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: What is migration?
Migration is a regular, usually seasonal, change in location of animals, often over long distances.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: What is one benefit of migration for birds?
Migration allows birds to make use of the tremendous productivity of arctic wetlands in the summer to raise their young, and also escape the ravages of the Arctic winter.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: How do monarch butterflies migrate?
The monarch migration involves two or three generations of butterflies traveling north from Mexico in the spring. The fall migration involves only one generation, with butterflies born in Ontario flying all the way to Mexico, or from Western Canada to the Pacific coast of California.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: What is a circannual rhythm?
A circannual rhythm is a yearly cycle of the behavioral tendency to move, such as migration.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: What is diel vertical migration?
Diel vertical migration is the daily upward and downward movement of animals in the ocean, often driven by the availability of food and the need to avoid predators.
Simple vs. Complex Behaviors - Migration: Why do some animals migrate to the surface of the ocean at night? What are the benefits?
Some animals migrate up to food-rich surface waters at night to feed when light is scarce and they are “hidden” from predators that rely on light to sense their prey. The colder, oxygen-rich water at depth may be more conducive to growing larger or producing more eggs.
Communication: What is communication, and what does it involve?
Communication involves one individual sending a signal or producing some kind of signal that travels through a medium to be received by a recipient individual. Communication can involve various modalities, including visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile. The mode of communication used by an animal is expected to be related to its lifestyle and environment.
Communication: What is courtship, and what does it involve? Give an example.
Courtship is a series of behaviors that males and females engage in to communicate critical information with one another. Courtship often involves complex sequences of behavior, with different stimuli used at each step. In the case of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, for example, males first orient themselves to the female using visual and olfactory communication, then use tactile communication by tapping the female, which elicits more chemicals released by the female. Finally, the male sings to the female by vibrating his wings, using auditory communication.
Communication - Pheromones: What are pheromones?
Pheromones are specific secreted substances that bind to a specific receptor in the receiving individual and trigger a specific response. They are used for short to long-range communication in many mammals and insects.
Communication - Pheromones: How do male gypsy moths find females?
Male gypsy moths can find females by sensing the volatile pheromone released by the female using their extremely sensitive and elaborate antennae.
Communication - Pheromones: Do plants use pheromones to attract pollinators?
Plants release complex bouquets of volatile chemicals to attract pollinators from long distances, but these are too diffuse to be considered pheromones.
Communication - Pheromones: Why are pheromones considered specific?
Pheromones are considered specific because they bind to a specific receptor in the receiving individual and trigger a specific response. This ensures that the communication is targeted to a specific individual or group.
