proximate mechanisms Flashcards
what are proximate mechanisms
looks to explain the ‘how’ of behaviour looking at how the trait emerges across a lifetime or how that trait works
what are ultimate explanations
looks to explain the ‘why’ of behaviour such as why did the trait evolve or why is the trait adaptive
give an example of some hormones in mammals
FSH/LH
oxytocin
isulin
testosterone
what hormone is correlated with aggression
Testosterone
- castration has been found to reduce aggression dramatically while experimental reinstatement of testosterone increases aggression
what is meant when hormones are explained as primers
they ready an individual for an encounter such as prime for aggressive encounters with competitive males forming a behavioural feedback loop
what stimulates hormone release
secretion is controlled by physical and social environments in which the brain detects changes and acts on the appropriate gland eventually causing changes in morphology, physiology and behaviour responses
give an example of a stimulus which may cause the secretion of hormones
- temperature and daylength controls moulting and migration in migratory birds
what hormones are involved in the moult of birds
gonadotropin
what hormone stimulates the growth of a feather
thyroxine
what role does oestrogen and progesterone have on birds
O - inhibits moult
P - suppresses ovulation and induces a concurrent moult of feathers
what did the experiment using sticklebacks reveal
that the perception of stimuli can also be changed by hormones
- everytime a red mail van drove past the tank they attacked the sides of the window
- red colours elicited more reaction in courting males
what are sensory neurones
the nerve cells that are activated by sensory input from the environment
inputs can by physical of chemical corresponding to all five senses
what are dendrites
parts of the neuron which branch off, they are where impulses are created
what are axons
once an impulse is created they travel down the axon, a stem like part of the neurone
what is a synapse
a connection from one neurone to another
