Week 2 learning objectives Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of Behavioural ecology

A

The study of how organisms interact and respond to their environment within in their species, and with other species. (Best in a natural setting)

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2
Q

What is the evolutionary context of behavioural ecology?

A

How organisms behaviours change as response to environmental influences, in order to improve survival and reproductive success (Ultimate causes)

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3
Q

What are the causes of unusual behaviours?

A

These are normally the result of organisms adapting to the influences of a stress full environment. E,g Packs in colder months, solo in hotter months. Deep sea fish.

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4
Q

What are some ways that animals escape predation?

A

Aviod detection (Camoflage, nocturnal, migration ect) - Physical (Large body size, defences, strength ect) - Chemical (Poisons, smells ect) - Flight or speed (Vigilance)

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5
Q

What is optimal foraging?

A

Using low levels of energy to Find/Select habitats that have suitable, high nutrient rich food.

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6
Q

What are some reasons for territorial defence?

A

The protection of selected habitats to maintain a supply of food and mates.

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7
Q

How does the steps of reproduction play out in a natural environment.

A

In most species the females are the ones that chose a mate, as they want to select the best genes available for their offspring in order to increase their chances of survival. (some times these roles are flipped)

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8
Q

What is the reasoning for the statement of finite energy?

A

Finite energy relates to the fact that, optimal foraging - territorial defence - and reproduction all require energy, and they must be balanced in energy use

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9
Q

What are the benefits of group living?

A

Help from kin - Increased access to mates - Increased foraging efficiency - Reduced Predation risk

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10
Q

What are the costs of group living?

A

Loss of one individuals reproductive out put/Loss of paternity - increased risk of disease - competition for food

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11
Q

How can behavioural ecology be applied to species management.

A

It can aid in how humans can best care for animals in captivity, and help us understand how humans have impacted the habitats of species and or populations

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12
Q

What is relative density?

A

The Population of one species compared to another in the same area using their mean for comparison

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13
Q

What is absolute density?

A

The total number of species per unit of area or volume

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14
Q

What are the approaches used to estimate population density?

A

Collect a sample number from a population - Mean and SE to estimate the population mean variance(more data the better)

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15
Q

What factors should be taken into account when choosing a sampling method?

A

Purpose and aim of study. Organism in questions Life history and behaviours habitats. Location of organism.

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