Behavioral Ecology: Causation and Animal Behavior

Proximate causation

Explains how behaviors occur mechanistically.

Ultimate causation

Explains why behaviors evolved historically.

Fixed action patterns

Stereotyped, innate behaviors unchanging with conditions.

Condition-dependent behaviors

Flexible responses influenced by learning or environment.

Cost-benefit analysis

Evaluates fitness costs versus benefits of behaviors.

Predation avoidance behaviors

Strategies animals use to escape predators.

Anolis lizards

Species studied for predation avoidance behaviors.

Fitness

Number of offspring produced in a lifetime.

Behavioral ecology

Study of ecological and evolutionary influences on behavior.

Hormonal mechanisms

Biological processes affecting behavior via hormones.

Neurological mechanisms

Brain functions influencing behavioral responses.

Skeletal-muscular mechanisms

Physical actions enabling specific behaviors.

Innate responses

Behaviors inherited and not learned.

Environmental conditions

External factors affecting behavior and decision-making.

Decision-making

Process of choosing among alternatives based on conditions.

Experimental tests

Research methods to investigate animal behaviors.

Visual stimuli

Sight-related cues triggering behavioral responses.

Auditory stimuli

Sound-related cues influencing animal behavior.

Chemosensory stimuli

Chemical signals affecting behavioral reactions.

Harsher environment simulation

Experimental setup to test behavioral adaptations.

Foraging on the wing

Hunting for food while in flight.

Subpar meals

Food that is less optimal for offspring.

Evolutionary consequences

Long-term effects of behavior on species survival.