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Behavioral Ecology

Behavior — a response to stimulus

Proximate cause (mechanistic): explains how actions occur in terms of genetic, neurological, hormonal, and skeletal-muscular mechanism involved

Venus fly trap example:

Ultimate cause (evolutionary): explains why actions occurs — based on their evolutionary consequences and history

Venus fly trap example:

Innate behavior vs. Learned behavior — a gradient

Keep in mind:

1. Choices include trade-offs

2. Choices are usually not conscious

3. Behavior of individuals varies within populations

Types of Behavior:

1. Foraging

2. Mating — mating behaviors can serve functions other than producing offspring