Animal Behavior

AP Bio: Chapter 39

Pheromones

chemical signal released by one animal & received by another

• Used in reproduction, protection of territory, or danger

Sexual Dimorphism

males & females have diff. sex characteristics

Kin Selection

Natural selection that favors altruism by enhancing fitness of close relatives

Altruism

• selflessness

• enhances group fitness

• doesn’t help individual fitness but preserves fitness of population

Sexual Selection

female selects the mate

• healthiest mate = preferred

Proximate Causation

Environmental stimulus that causes the behavior

Ultimate Causation

Evolutionary significance of the behavior

Fitness

orgs. ability to survive & reproduce → passes genes to offspring

Innate Behavior

inherited by genetic information

ex: FAP

Learned Behavior

modification of behavior based on experience

may have genetic influence

(ex: imprintng)

Fixed Action Pattern

sequence of unlearned behaviors triggered by sign stimulus

Imprinting

Learned behavior from “parent”

• has to happen @ critical period

  • limited amt of time

• genetic component

Spatial Learning

• based on visual cues/landmarks

• includes locations of nest sites, food, mates, hazards

Associative Learning

• Learning based on associations b/w experiences

• 2 Types:

  • Classical: arbitrary stimulus associated w/ particular outcome

  • Operant: trial and error

Cognition & Pattern Solving

• Most sophisticated

• highly developed in some mammals

• involves awareness, reasoning, recollection, & judgement

• devise method to solve an issue/obstacle

Social Learning

Learning thru observation of your species.