Animal Behavior – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards that cover major animal-behavior terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Innate behavior

Genetically programmed, inherited behavior performed without prior learning.

Learned behavior

Behavior acquired through experience or environmental interaction.

Simple reflex

Automatic two-neuron (afferent + efferent) response controlled at the spinal cord.

Complex reflex

Automatic three-neuron response involving interneurons; controlled at brain stem/cerebrum and slower than a simple reflex.

Startle response

Example of a complex reflex mediated by the reticular activating system.

Associative learning

Learning in which an animal connects two events, such as a stimulus with another stimulus or a behavior with its consequence.

Classical conditioning

Associative learning where a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus that elicits a conditioned response after pairing with an unconditioned stimulus.

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

Naturally meaningful stimulus that automatically triggers an unconditioned response.

Unconditioned response (UCR)

Innate, automatic reaction elicited by an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

Originally neutral stimulus that, after association with the UCS, elicits a conditioned response.

Conditioned response (CR)

Learned response elicited by the conditioned stimulus.

Extinction (conditioning)

Gradual weakening and disappearance of a conditioned response when reinforcement or pairing ceases.

Spontaneous recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

Operant conditioning

Trial-and-error learning in which an animal associates its own behavior with reward or punishment.

Positive reinforcement

Increasing a behavior by presenting a pleasant stimulus after the behavior.

Negative reinforcement

Increasing a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Positive punishment

Decreasing a behavior by presenting an unpleasant stimulus.

Negative punishment

Decreasing a behavior by removing a pleasant stimulus.

Imprinting

Irreversible learning that occurs in young animals during a critical period, such as goslings identifying their mother.

Fixed action pattern (FAP)

Sequence of innate behaviors triggered by a sign stimulus and carried to completion even if the stimulus is removed.

Sign stimulus

Specific external cue that triggers a fixed action pattern.

Spatial learning

Learning that involves associating physical landmarks with the location of rewards or dangers.

Insight learning

Immediate problem-solving using past experience to deal with a novel situation, e.g., chimp stacking boxes.

Instinct

Inborn, species-specific pattern of behavior, such as maternal care in mammals.

Habituation

Decrease in response to a repeated stimulus that lacks important consequences.

Sensitization

Increased responsiveness to a repeated stimulus; opposite of habituation.

Observational (social) learning

Learning new behaviors by watching and imitating others.

Kinesis

Non-directional change in movement speed in response to stimulus intensity; slower in favorable conditions, faster in unfavorable ones.

Taxis

Directed movement toward or away from a stimulus, e.g., phototaxis toward light.

Migration

Long-distance, seasonal movement to new habitats.

Foraging behavior

Strategies that maximize food intake while minimizing energy expenditure.

Agonistic behavior

Social behavior involving threats, aggression, or submission arising from competition.

Dominance hierarchy

Ranking of individuals that reduces conflict over resources.

Territoriality

Defense of a physical area to secure resources and mating opportunities.

Altruistic behavior

Unselfish behavior that benefits relatives and thus increases inclusive fitness.

Appeasement behavior

Submissive actions that prevent or reduce aggression from another animal.

Pheromone

Chemical signal released by an animal that influences the behavior or physiology of conspecifics.

Chemical communication

Use of chemical signals, such as pheromones, for mate attraction, territory marking, or synchronizing reproduction.

Visual communication

Transmission of information via body movements, coloration, or displays.

Auditory communication

Use of sound signals to warn, attract mates, or convey territory ownership.

Tactile communication

Transmission of information through touch, common in courtship and social bonding.

Semelparity

Life-history strategy with a single reproductive episode producing many offspring followed by death.

Iteroparity

Life-history strategy featuring multiple reproductive events producing fewer, larger offspring.