Unit 8 - Ecology Flashcards
Stimulus
external/internal signal/group of signals that cause a response (can be behavioral or physiological)
Behavior
response to a stimulus that can be due to genetic or environmental factors
- allows for survival and reproduction
Communication
animals exchanging information; used for dominance, find foot, establish territory, ensure reproductive success (find mates/care for young)
mechanisms:
- visual
- audible
- tactile (touch)
- electrical
- chemical
Aposematism
markings/behaviors that signal a WARNING
Pheromones
trigger a social response within the same species
Proximate Cause
{how} – what was the stimulus; how does “NURTUE” affect behavior
experiences during growth and development
Ultimate Cause
{why} – how does behavior help the animal survive/reproduce; how does “NATURE” affect behavior
evolutionary basis
Innate Behaviors
developmentally fixed; born with it
growth/development has NO EFFECT
Signal
stimulus generated, passed down from 1 animal to another
- pheromones
- stimulus response chain
- body movement (bee wiggle)
Fixed Action Pattern
sequence of unlearned acts directly linked to a stimulus
- unchangeable; carried out to completion
- triggered by external cue (sign stimulus)
fish seeing red and attacking even if it is harmless
Migration
innate behavior
Directed Movement
away/toward a stimulus
- kinesis: rate of movement
Types of Taxis
Photo: light
Chemo: chemical
Geotaxis: gravity
Learned Behaviors
depends on the environment; experience DOES EFFECT; high variability
Learning
based off experience (modification)
Imprinting
long-distance; happens during a sensitive period (early in life)
Spatial
memories based off spatial structure (cognitive map)
Associative
associate 1 environmental feature with another
Social
through observation and imitation of behaviors
Cooperative
team work
Altruism
decreases an individuals fitness but increases the populations fitness
Phototropism
directional growth toward light
Photoperiodism
development in response to day length, time of year
Endotherm
use thermal metabolism to maintain body temperature (heart rate, fat storage, etc.)
Ectotherm
uses external source to regulate body temperature (sun/shade)
Metabolic rate
O2 consumed, CO2 produced
- smaller organisms = higher metabolic rate
- larger organisms = lower metabolic rate
(SA:V ratio!!)