Communication Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, types, and channels of communication based on the ethology lecture notes.

Communication

The transfer of information between a sender and receiver.

Classic Definition of Communication

A definition where both the sender and the receiver benefit from the exchange, which is often expected in related or reciprocal relationships.

Manipulator (communication)

A sender that attempts to signal in a way that increases their own fitness at the expense of the recipient.

Mind Readers (communication)

Recipients that have evolved to detect when they are being manipulated and only act on information that benefits them.

Conspiratorial Whispers (communication)

Quieter, less obvious signals used in cooperative signal exchanges, contrasted with the conspicuous, exaggerated signals of manipulative communication.

Deceit

A special form of communication common across species, such as between predator and prey, where one individual provides false information to another.

Signal

The physical form in which a message is coded for transmission through the environment.

Discrete Signals

Signals that are categorical or binary, functioning as either "on" or "off," such as the light of a firefly.

Graded Signals

Signals that vary in intensity rather than being simple on-off messages.

signals vary in modality

• visual (short distances, last long time) → colouration

• auditory (short/long range) → elephant vocals

• chemical (long lasting) → pheromones, scent

Composite Signal

The combination of $2$ or more signals to form a single message, such as a tiger combining ear position and vocalization.

Meta-communication

Communication used to signal the context of behaviors that will follow, such as the play bowing seen in dogs.

What is the function of communications?

Ultimately to increase fitness .

1. coordination of feeding

2. reproduction and securing mate (song)

3. social statistics and aggressiveness

4. detecting predators (alarm calls, could be deceptive)

5. parent/offspring communication (begging, sychro hatching)

Channels of Commutation

1. odor and pheromones

2. Sound

3. tactile (touch)

4. visual

Odor

A channel of communication used by almost all animals except birds.

Pros: characterized by long range

Cons: duration but slow transmission.

Pheromones

Secreted or excreted chemicals that trigger a social response in members of the same species. produced by gland or in urine.

Sound

Pros: long range, variability, cons: fades fast, high cost

Tactile Communication

Communication through touch, often used by invertebrates via antennae or by mammals during copulation and grooming.

Pros: works at night, low cost

cons: short range, fades fast

Visual Display

A term for visual communication behaviors, which likely evolved from non-communicative actions (intention movements or displacement activities).

Pros: medium range, variability

cons: cases quick, medium cost

Intention Movements

Also known as incipient movements

Displacement Activities

Behaviors that occur in conflict situations and are considered a source from which visual displays may have evolved.