Physiology & Behaviour Flashcards
What are Tinbergen’s 4 questions in the context of behavior?
Causation, Function, Ontogeny, Phylogeny
Define immediate or proximate causation.
Immediate or proximate causation refers to the factors immediately responsible for a behavior.
How does behavior typically involve physiological processes?
Behavior involves a coordinated muscular response through the sensory system, nervous system, and behavior.
What is the difference between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS)?
PNS connects the CNS to limbs/organs and involves simple reflexes; CNS is more protected and involved in complex behaviors.
True or False: High testosterone levels always lead to increased aggression.
False
What are the two main systems involved in physiological control of behavior?
- Neural systems
- Hormonal systems
What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?
Controls the master gland (pituitary) and regulates homeostasis and hormones.
What are the types of neural responses?
- Initiation
- Coordination
- Response inhibition
- Control
What is the role of inhibition in behavior?
Inhibition is necessary for coordination of movements.
Fill in the blank: The balance between energy input and output is essential for _______.
homeostasis
What are examples of physiological responses in thermoregulation?
- Huddling
- Shivering
- Panting
- Shade seeking
- Drinking
True or False: Hormones directly cause behavior.
False
What is the neuroendocrine system?
A system where hormones act as neurotransmitters and have dual actions in the nervous and circulatory systems.
List some examples of hypothalamic factors and their corresponding pituitary hormones.
- CRH -> ACTH
- GHRH -> GH
- GnRH -> LH/FSH
Define pheromones.
Chemical substances released into the environment that cause specific behavioral or physiological reactions in members of the same species.
What are the five main senses?
- Sight
- Hearing
- Touch
- Smell
- Taste
What is umwelt?
The individual sensory environment and behavioral capabilities of a species.
How do nocturnal species typically perceive their environment?
They have one receptor type that sees grey scale at high resolution.
What is the acoustic range of humans?
20 – 20,000 Hz
What is electroreception?
The ability to detect electrical fields, commonly found in fish.
What is magnetoreception?
The ability to sense magnetic fields for orientation.
What phenomenon is observed with grazing cows in relation to magnetoreception?
Grazing cows predominantly orient north-south.
What is the significance of the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine system?
It secretes releasing hormones that regulate pituitary hormones.
What types of behaviors are controlled by simple reflexes?
- Patellar reflex
- Blink reflex
- Swallow reflex
