Responses to the Environment

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on responses to the environment, behaviors in animals, and the study of behavioral ecology.

What is behavioral ecology?

The study of how evolutionary processes shape inherited behaviors and how animals respond to specific stimuli.

Define ethology.

The study of how evolutionary processes shape inherited behaviors.

What are proximate causes in behavior?

They refer to how a behavior occurs or how it is modified.

What are ultimate causes in behavior?

They refer to why a behavior occurs in the context of natural selection.

What is the difference between innate and learned behaviors?

Innate behaviors are instinctive and developmentally fixed, while learned behaviors are shaped by experiences.

What internal mechanisms regulate physiological processes and behaviors in response to environmental cues?

Biological clock.

What is a circadian rhythm?

An internal rhythm that follows a roughly 24-hour cycle, regulating activities like sleep and feeding.

Define phototropism.

A directional response that allows plants to grow towards or away from a source of light.

What is kinesis?

A change in the rate of movement or the frequency of turning movements in response to a stimulus that is nondirectional.

Define taxis.

Directional movement towards (positive) or away from (negative) a stimulus.

What is phototaxis?

Movement in response to light.

What triggers migration in animals?

Factors like the sun's position, Earth's magnetic field, and celestial cues.

Name a benefit of migration for monarch butterflies.

Access to better breeding grounds and food sources in the spring.

What is alleles' role in sexual selection?

Alleles can provide reproductive advantages leading to differences in mating success.

What does cooperation mean in behavioral ecology?

Any behavior that benefits the group, typically increasing the fitness of group members.

What is altruism in animal behavior?

Selfless behavior where an individual benefits others at the cost of its own fitness.

What is an example of cooperative behavior in animals?

Pack hunting behavior that increases prey capture rates.

What adaptations might allow plants to defend against herbivory?

Physical defenses like thorns and chemical defenses through toxic compounds.

What is the significance of pheromones?

They are chemical signals that can cause rapid or long-term changes in behavior among members of the same species.

What is imprinting in animal behavior?

A form of learning where young animals recognize and bond with their caregivers or objects they encounter shortly after birth.

What is the role of play behavior in animals?

Play behavior helps young animals practice survival skills and develop social interactions.

Define social behavior in animals.

Interactions among individuals of the same species that influence their social structure or relationships.

What is territoriality in animals?

The behavior of defending a specific area against intruders, often as part of mating or resource acquisition.

What is the significance of pheromones in animal communication?

Pheromones are chemical signals used for communication, influencing behaviors like mating, alarm signaling, and marking territory.

What are signal behaviors in animals?

Any behavior that conveys information from one animal to another, often concerning reproductive status or danger.

What is kin selection in behavioral ecology?

A type of natural selection that favors behaviors benefiting relatives, enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.

What is the concept of altruism in animal behavior?

A selfless behavior that benefits other individuals at a cost to the actor's own fitness.

Define social hierarchy in animal groups.

A ranking system within a group that determines access to resources and mates based on status or dominance.

What is mating behavior in animals?

The specific actions and displays animals use to attract mates and ensure reproductive success.

What is the importance of nesting behavior in animals?

Nesting behavior provides a secure location for offspring, facilitating care and protection from predators.

What is courtship behavior?

Behavioral displays by animals aimed at attracting a mate, often involving elaborate rituals or signals.

What is the impact of environmental factors on animal behavior?

Environmental factors such as temperature, food availability, and habitat can significantly influence animal behaviors including foraging, mating, and migration patterns.