MUST KNOW FOR EXAM

Question 1

Tinbergen proposed 4 questions. What were they?

Answer 1

The 4 why questions…

1. Causation - what causes an animal to behave in a specific way?
2. Development - how has the behaviour of an animal developed over their lifetime?
3. Function - why does an animal behave in particular ways?
4. Evolution - how has the behaviour evolved over time?

Question 2

Provide a definition of what a stereotypical behaviour is.

Answer 2

A repetitive behaviour that serves no purpose to the animal. Used as a coping mechanism to relieve themselves from stress. These are only displayed while in captivity.

Question 3

What are the three sampling techniques?

Answer 3

1. Focal sampling - focused on one animal
2. Scan sampling - focused on several animals
3. Behaviour sampling - behaviour of animals

Question 4

What are behaviours displayed by animals recorded on?

Answer 4

An ethogram

Question 5

State 3 causes of stereotypical behaviours.

Answer 5

1. abnormal social grouping
2. size of the enclosure
3. separation from natural habitat

Question 6

State 3 reasons as to why enrichment is necessary for animals in captivity.

Answer 6

1. allows animals to display natural behaviour as they would in the wild.
2. prevents boredom
3. allows them to be more active

Question 7

What is a fixed action pattern? And provide an example:

Answer 7

A fixed action pattern is an involuntary/automatic action that an animal will continue to do until completed.
Greylag Geese will instinctively move an egg that may have fallen out of the nest, back to the nest, and will continue to do so until all eggs are back in the nest.

Question 8

State 4 reasons of why animals migrate.

Answer 8

1. to find a mate
2. to lay eggs
3. avoid predation
4. keep warm

Question 9

Provide a definition of circadian rhythms in animals.

Answer 9

The circadian rhythm is the animals body clock. This alerts the animal as to when it should go to sleep and wake up.

Question 10

Describe the term communication of animals.

Answer 10

This is the transfer of information between animals of the same and different species.

Question 11

What are the 4 types of communication and provide an example for each.

Answer 11

1. visual - cobras
2. chemical - skunks
3. tactile - dogs
4. auditory - elephants

Question 12

Provide a definition for ‘interspecific communication’.

Answer 12

Exchange of information between different species.

Question 13

Provide a definition for ‘intraspecific communication’.

Answer 13

Exchange of information between the same species.

Question 14

What are the 5 mimicry types?

Answer 14

1. defensive mimicry
2. Mullerian mimicry
3. batesian mimicry
4. progressive mimicry
5. camouflage

Question 15

Provide a definition for the term ‘hierarchy’.

Answer 15

Animals will fight for dominance and test their strengths. The stronger animals will become the more dominant and the others will become the subordinates.

Question 16

State 4 points about agnostic behaviours

Answer 16

• This is a fighting behaviour
• This behaviour is used to:
  
  • defend territory
  • for hunting
  • establish dominance
  • to intimidate competitors and predators

Question 17

What is altrusim?

Answer 17

This is a helping behaviour.
Benefits others at their own expense (temporarily), however the animal will always want something in return. (you scratch my back, ill scratch yours).

Question 18

Provide an example of altrusim.

Answer 18

Vampire bats will share their blood with others however the receiver must have done this before too. The giver will also want something back in return.

Question 19

Provide a definition for affiliate behaviour.

Answer 19

This is the formation of social and emotional bonds.

Question 20

Suggest an example of affiliate behaviours.

Answer 20

Dolphins will engage in behaviours that involve physical contact and synchronisation to affirm social and emotional bonds.

Question 21

List 5 benefits of living in a social group.

Answer 21

1. share food and water (resources)
2. share parental care
3. reduce risk of predation
4. Greater hunting success
5. successful mating

Question 22

The D…………… E……… means the chance of an animal being predated upon is reduced when living in a social group.

Answer 22

The dilution effect.

Question 23

Provide a definition for courtship behaviours.

Answer 23

The behaviours exhibited by animals in order to attract a mate.

Question 24

The term sexual dimorphism means……

Answer 24

The differences in appearance between males and females of the same species, such as in colour, shape, size and structure.