Week 2 learning objectives Flashcards
What is the definition of Behavioural ecology
The study of how organisms interact and respond to their environment within in their species, and with other species. (Best in a natural setting)
What is the evolutionary context of behavioural ecology?
How organisms behaviours change as response to environmental influences, in order to improve survival and reproductive success (Ultimate causes)
What are the causes of unusual behaviours?
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.
What are some ways that animals escape predation?
Aviod detection (Camoflage, nocturnal, migration ect) - Physical (Large body size, defences, strength ect) - Chemical (Poisons, smells ect) - Flight or speed (Vigilance)
What is optimal foraging?
Using low levels of energy to Find/Select habitats that have suitable, high nutrient rich food.
What are some reasons for territorial defence?
The protection of selected habitats to maintain a supply of food and mates.
How does the steps of reproduction play out in a natural environment.
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)
What is the reasoning for the statement of finite energy?
Finite energy relates to the fact that, optimal foraging - territorial defence - and reproduction all require energy, and they must be balanced in energy use
What are the benefits of group living?
Help from kin - Increased access to mates - Increased foraging efficiency - Reduced Predation risk
What are the costs of group living?
Loss of one individuals reproductive out put/Loss of paternity - increased risk of disease - competition for food
How can behavioural ecology be applied to species management.
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
What is relative density?
The Population of one species compared to another in the same area using their mean for comparison
What is absolute density?
The total number of species per unit of area or volume
What are the approaches used to estimate population density?
Collect a sample number from a population - Mean and SE to estimate the population mean variance(more data the better)
What factors should be taken into account when choosing a sampling method?
Purpose and aim of study. Organism in questions Life history and behaviours habitats. Location of organism.
