Behavioral Ecology - Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology in behavioral ecology, focusing on the influences of genetics, learning, and social behaviors on organismal behavior.

Behavioral ecology

The study of how behavior contributes to the survival and reproduction of organisms.

Ethology

The study of specific genetic and physiological mechanisms of behavior.

Innate behavior

Behaviors that are genetically programmed and exhibited by individuals regardless of environment.

Fixed action patterns

Behavioral sequences that are completed once initiated, regardless of environmental changes.

Sign stimulus

External stimulus that triggers a specific behavior.

Habituation

The simplest form of learning, where an organism ignores repeated stimuli.

Associative learning

Learning that involves a change in behavior due to association between a stimulus and response.

Classical conditioning

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Operant conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Cognitive learning

The ability to solve problems through conscious thought.

Imprinting

A process during a critical developmental period in which animals form attachments to the first moving object they encounter.

Kinesis

Movement in response to a stimulus that is not directed toward or away from the source.

Taxis

Directed movement toward (positive taxis) or away (negative taxis) from an external stimulus.

Optimal foraging theory

The theory predicting how an animal maximizes the energy gained from foraging while minimizing energy spent.

Territory

A fixed area that an individual or group defends against others.

Chemical communication

Use of chemical signals to communicate, often for mating or territorial purposes.

Auditory communication

Use of sound to convey messages, often in mating or competitive contexts.

Visual communication

Use of visual signals or displays to convey messages, such as color and ornamentation.

Tactile communication

Use of touch to convey information between group members.

Altruism

Behavior that benefits others at a personal cost.

Kin selection

A form of natural selection that favors behaviors benefiting relatives, enhancing their reproductive success.

Reciprocal altruism

An altruistic act that is reciprocated, providing benefits to both the altruist and recipient.

Monogamy

A mating system where one male mates exclusively with one female.

Polygyny

A mating system in which one male mates with multiple females.

Polyandry

A rare mating system where one female mates with several males.

Sexual dimorphism

Differences in size or appearance between males and females of the same species.