Ecology and Animal Behavior

These flashcards cover key concepts from the ecology and animal behavior lecture notes, explaining essential terms and definitions related to behavioral responses in organisms.

Behavioral Ecology

The study of how behavioral responses of organisms are influenced by ecological and evolutionary factors.

Ethology

The study of how evolutionary processes shape inherited behaviors and the responses of animals to specific stimuli.

Proximate Cause

The immediate cause or mechanism explaining how a behavior occurs or how it is modified.

Ultimate Cause

The underlying reason explaining why a behavior occurs, particularly in the context of natural selection.

Innate Behavior

Developmentally fixed behaviors that are hereditary and do not require learning; instinctive.

Learned Behavior

Behaviors that depend on environmental influences and experiences; exhibit high variation in a population.

Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs)

A sequence of unlearned acts directly linked to a stimulus, carried out to completion once initiated.

Imprinting

A long-lasting behavioral response to an individual, occurring during a sensitive developmental period.

Natural Selection

The process by which certain behaviors (innate or learned) that increase survival and reproduction are favored.

Phototropism

A directional growth response of plants towards light.

Altruism

Selfless behavior that reduces an individual's fitness but enhances the overall fitness of the population.

Kinesis

A non-directional change in the rate or frequency of movement in response to a stimulus.

Taxis

A directional movement toward (positive) or away from (negative) a stimulus.

Photoperiodism

The response of plants to the length of day and night, influencing flowering and growth patterns.

Chemical Defenses

Production of toxic or distasteful compounds by plants to deter herbivory.

Spatial Learning

Establishing memories based upon the spatial structure of the surroundings, often forming cognitive maps.

Social Learning

Learning that occurs through observation and imitation of others' behaviors.