Untitled Flashcards Set

Behaviour

Observable actions or responses of animals stimulated by internal or external factors, including both innate and learned behaviors.

Instincts

Innate behaviors that do not require learning.

Imprinting

A process where animals learn behaviors of their species, exemplified by ducklings following the first adult they see.

Stimuli

Sudden changes in the environment that provoke responses in animals, which may be internal or external.

Key stimuli

Specific triggers for behavior in animals, like a red stain on a seagull's beak prompting chicks to peck for food.

Conditioning

The association of a behavior with a specific signal, exemplified by Pavlov's dogs salivating at the sound of a bell.

Supernormal stimuli

Stronger than normal stimuli that elicit exaggerated responses, such as cuckoo bird eggs in other birds' nests.

Displacement activity

Behavior exhibited by animals when they experience conflicting motivations, like when an animal must choose between fighting or fleeing.

Redundant action

Behavior performed when motivation is high but the correct stimuli are absent, common in captive animals.

Camouflage

A method animals use to blend into their environment to avoid predator detection.

Warning signals

Auditory alerts given by animals to indicate the presence of a predator to others

Aposematic colouring

Bright coloration in animals that serves as a warning to predators about their toxicity or danger.

Mimicry

An evolutionary resemblance to another organism or object, often for protection against predators.

Visual communication

Communication through visual signals, spanning various purposes including mate attraction and predator warning.

Auditorial communication

Communication using sounds to warn of predators or attract potential mates.

Olfactory communication

Communication through scent, such as marking territory or signaling danger.

Tactile communication

Communication involving touch to convey messages, form bonds, and express emotions.

Solitary

An animal that lives alone, which allows for complete access to food but may limit safety.

Pack living

Animals that live in groups, benefiting from collective predator detection but sharing food among members.

Sexual strategies

Differing reproductive strategies between males, who often focus on quantity, and females, who prioritize quality of offspring.

Sexual selection

The process where females choice leads to preferred male traits, impacting both survival and mating success.

Gender dimorphism

The difference in appearance between male and female animals, often tied to reproductive competition.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Traits that develop during maturity and are not directly involved in reproduction, such as plumage and body size.

Monogamy

A reproductive strategy involving one male and one female raising their offspring together.

Polygamy

A reproductive strategy with multiple partners, which includes types such as polygyny and polyandry.

Mating behaviors

Actions and rituals performed by animals to attract mates and successfully reproduce.