WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION

Question 1

What is Charles Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’?

Answer 1

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Question 2

What are Tinbergen’s four questions?

Answer 2

Causation, ontogeny, function and evolution

Question 3

What is the proximate question of causation/ control? (Tinbergen)

Answer 3

What causes this behaviour to happen in the individual?

Question 4

What is the proximate question of ontogeny/development? (Tinbergen)

Answer 4

How does this behaviour develop over the individuals lifespan?

Question 5

What is the ultimate question of function/ adaption? (Tinbergen)

Answer 5

Is there a function for this behaviour among the species?

Question 6

What is the ultimate question of evolution/ phylogeny? (Tinbergen)

Answer 6

How does the behaviour evolve in the species over time?

Question 7

Give an example of Tinbergen’s 4 questions in relation to a species behaviour.

Answer 7

WHY DO BIRDS NEST?
Causation- nest building instincts activated by synchronised courtship displays.

Ontogeny- refinement of nest height in accordance to environmental variables (i.e.) temp.

Function- protect eggs and chicks

Evolution- nests of incorrect size caused higher morality rates in chicks.