Behavioral Ecology Lecture Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the Behavioral Ecology lecture.

Behavioral Ecology

The science studying animal behavior and how it is controlled by development, evolution, survival, and reproductive success of a species.

Fixed Action Patterns (FAP)

Stereotyped behaviors that are performed the same way each time in response to a sign stimulus.

Genetic Basis of Behavior

The recognition that behavior related to environmental stimuli has a partial genetic basis.

Associative Learning

A change in behavior that involves an association between two events, such as classical and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a natural stimulus becomes associated with a significant one, leading to a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning principle in which a behavior is strengthened by reinforcement or weakened by punishment.

Sexual Selection

Changes in traits in females and males caused by mate choice and competition for mates.

Pheromones

Chemical signals passed between members of the same species that influence behavior.

Auditory Communication

Communication through sound that influences the behavior of a receiver.

Tactile Communication

Communication that occurs when one animal touches another to convey information.