Behavioral Ecology - Genes, Selection, and Evolution

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotypes refers to genes

Phenotypes refer to observable traits

What is phenotypic plasticity?

The ability of single genotype (one individual) to alter its phenotype in response to environmental conditions

How is phenotypic plasticity present in octopuses?

Octopuses have the ability to change their color to response to their environment around them, such as when seeking to camouflage with surroundings to avoid detection by predators

How is phenotypic plasticity present in American robins?

American robins have the ability puff up their feathers in order to trap heat in colder weather, or to keep feathers less puffed up in warmer weather

Provide three examples of how genes, phenotypic plasticity, or both influence behavior

1) Fruit fly foraging behavior

2) Blackcap migration behavior

3) Great tits and breeding times

Fruit flies are either rovers or sitters, which is distinguished by a difference in one gene: ______

for

What type of inheritance is present in fruit fly foraging behavior?

Simple inheritance

Migratory behavior is quantified via zugunruhe. What is zugunruhe?

Migratory restlessness, which is a measure of propensity to migrate

What are reaction norms?

How an individual (single genotype) responds across different environments