Analysis of Arthropod and Animal Behavior: Hypotheses, Chi-Square Tests, and Ecological Implications

What is the natural habitat of isopods?

Moist environments

What is the null hypothesis (H0) regarding isopod distribution in wet or dry environments?

Wet or dry environments will have no effect on the distribution of isopods.

What is the alternative hypothesis (Ha) regarding isopod distribution in wet or dry environments?

Wet or dry conditions will have an effect on the distribution of isopods.

What was the calculated χ2 value for isopod distribution in wet and dry environments?

160.66

Is the calculated χ2 value for isopod distribution higher or lower than 3.84?

Higher

Do we reject the null hypothesis for isopod distribution in wet and dry environments?

Yes

What is the null hypothesis (H0) regarding isopod distribution in light and dark conditions?

Light/Dark conditions will have no effect on the distribution of isopods.

What is the alternative hypothesis (Ha) regarding isopod distribution in light and dark conditions?

Light/Dark conditions will have an effect on the distribution of isopods.

What was the calculated χ2 value for isopod distribution in light and dark conditions?

0.893

Is the calculated χ2 value for isopod distribution in light and dark conditions higher or lower than 3.84?

Lower

Do we reject the null hypothesis for isopod distribution in light and dark conditions?

No

What is the scientific hypothesis for Madagascar hissing cockroaches?

The hissing cockroaches will prefer enclosed environments because of their preferred habitats in the wild.

What is the null hypothesis (H0) regarding hissing cockroaches in open and edge areas?

There will be no difference in number of hissing cockroaches in the open and edges.

What is the alternative hypothesis (Ha) regarding hissing cockroaches in open and edge areas?

There will be more hissing cockroaches in the edges than in the open.

What was the calculated χ2 value for hissing cockroaches in open and edge areas?

6.533

Is the calculated χ2 value for hissing cockroaches in open and edge areas higher or lower than 3.84?

Higher

Do we reject the null hypothesis for hissing cockroaches in open and edge areas?

Yes

What is the null hypothesis (H0) regarding hissing cockroaches in open and sheltered areas?

There will be no difference in number of hissing cockroaches in the open and sheltered areas.

What is the alternative hypothesis (Ha) regarding hissing cockroaches in open and sheltered areas?

There will be more hissing cockroaches in the sheltered areas than in the open.

What was the calculated χ2 value for hissing cockroaches in open and sheltered areas?

8.533

Is the calculated χ2 value for hissing cockroaches in open and sheltered areas higher or lower than 3.84?

Higher

Do we reject the null hypothesis for hissing cockroaches in open and sheltered areas?

Yes

How might the behavior of cockroaches be explained in terms of adaptations?

Cockroaches prefer to be under shelter and by the edges of the box, which may be an adaptation to survive from predators.

What are confounding variables?

Poorly standardized parts of an experiment or unintended variables that may influence the outcome.

What was a potential confounding variable in the dark/light test for arthropods?

The foil may not have completely blocked out the darkness.

What ecological habitat do isopods prefer based on class data?

A dark microhabitat.

What is the null hypothesis (H0) regarding shaking an ant colony?

Shaking an ant colony will have no effect on the distribution of ants.

What is the alternative hypothesis (H1) regarding shaking an ant colony?

Shaking an ant colony will have an effect on the distribution of ants.

What will be measured in the ant movement study?

The movement rate of ants.

How will the movement of ants be measured?

By the distance traveled before and after shaking the colony.

Why measure ant movement after shaking the colony?

To see if disturbing the colony changes ant movement, indicating kinesis.

What was the calculated chi-square value in the dragonfly experiment?

7.41.

What does a calculated chi-square value of 7.41 indicate regarding the null hypothesis?

The null hypothesis is rejected since the calculated value exceeds the critical value of 6.64.

What is optimal foraging theory?

Foraging animals will maximize energy intake while minimizing energy expenditure.

What is floral constancy in foraging behavior?

Foraging on familiar plant species throughout a lifetime is less costly and provides a predictable food source.

What are the null and alternative hypotheses for Dr. Beebrain's experiment?

H0: Calorie quality on each flower will have no effect on bee visits. H1: Calorie quality will have an effect on bee visits.

What is the calculated chi-square value for Dr. Beebrain's experiment?

6.93.

What should the wolf choose between hunting an elk or scavenging at a human camp?

The wolf should choose to hang around the human hunting camp for more calories.