Biology 112: Behavior and Ecology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to behavior and ecology as discussed in the Biology 112 lecture.

Behavior

A response to a stimulus.

Behavioral Ecology

A subset of organismal ecology that studies behavioral adaptations in response to ecological selection pressures.

Innate Behavior

Behaviors characterized by low variation in population, little environmental influence, and can be adaptive without training.

Learned Behavior

Behaviors that are flexible, show high variation in population, and are highly influenced by the environment.

Optimal Foraging Hypothesis

The idea that individuals make decisions to maximize usable energy intake while minimizing foraging costs and predation risk.

Monogamy

A mating system where one female mates with one male, forming a pair bond.

Polygyny

A mating system where one male mates with two or more females.

Polyandry

A mating system where one female mates with two or more males.

Migration

The long-distance movement of a population associated with seasonal changes.

Proximate Causes

Immediate factors that influence animal behavior, including methods of navigation.

True Navigation

The ability to locate a specific place on Earth's surface.

Altruism

Behavior that has a fitness cost to the individual but a fitness benefit to the recipient.

Hamilton's Rule

A mathematical model to assess how altruistic behavior can evolve, expressed as Br > C.

Inclusive Fitness

The total effect an individual has on multiplying its genes by producing its own offspring and helping relatives produce offspring.

Eusociality

A behavioral system where individuals, such as bees or ants, sacrifice their reproduction to help the queen.