Chapter 18: Evolution and Behavior

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from Chapter 18 on Evolution and Behavior.

Evolved Behavior

Behavior that is inherited.

Natural Selection

The process by which different behaviors are developed.

Alex Taylor's Experiment

Represents an evolved ability to reason.

Internal Response

A behavior that is an internally generated response to an external stimulus.

Dmitry Belyaev

A Russian geneticist who bred tame foxes through artificial selection.

Selection Experiments

Experiments that demonstrate behaviors selected for traits like aggression in mice.

Fitness

The advantage of having the best behavior, which can lead to survival benefits.

Four Questions of Behavior

How does it work? How does it develop? What is its adaptive value? How did it evolve?

Plant Behavior Example

Plants like the Venus flytrap can exhibit complex behaviors without a brain.

Neurons and Behavior

Almost all animals use neurons to control behavior.

Innate Responses

Same response to a stimulus that is genetically programmed.

Learned Responses

Responses that update programmed responses based on experience.

Synaptic Plasticity

Alteration in the number or strength of synaptic connections in response to stimuli.

Vertebrate Brain

More complex than other groups and organized around specialized regions.

Group Selection

Selection arising from variation in fitness among groups.

Dilution Effect

A benefit that reduces disease spread in diverse ecological communities.

Cooperative Foraging

The process by which individuals in groups work together to gain access to resources.