Behavioral Interactions Chapter 16.2a Behavioral Interactions

Instinctive Behavior Patterns Courtship and mating are instinctive in animals. Also animals will protect themselves and their food sources by defending territories, these are also instinctive. Instinctive behavior is inherited. Instinctive Behavior Patterns

Animals often live in groups for safety Animals often live in groups for safety. They also can help keep each other warm. Social behavior is interactions between organisms of the same species. These behaviors include courtship, mating, caring for young, claiming territories, protecting each other, and getting food. These are inherited behaviors that help the species survive. Social Behavior

A society is a group of animals of the same species living and working together in an organized way. Each member of the group has a certain role. Like an ant colony – the queen lays eggs, workers do all the jobs for the society, and there are other ants that take care of the eggs specifically. Some societies are organized by dominance. Wolves live in packs but there is a dominant female – this female controls the mating of the other females. Societies

Territories are set up for feeding, mating, and raising young. A territory is an area that an animal defends from other members of the same species. Ownership of a territory happens in different ways. Songbirds sing, sea lions bellow, squirrels chatter, other animals leave a scent, and some patrol and attack those who enter their territory. Territories have food, shelter, and potential mates. Territorial Behavior

Aggression is a forceful behavior used to dominate or control another animal. Aggressive behaviors are fighting and threatening. This is used to defend territories, protect young, or get food. Aggression

Most animals of the same species will not fight to the death Most animals of the same species will not fight to the death. Teeth, beaks, claws, and horns are used for killing prey or defending against another species. To avoid attack and injury from its own species an animal will submit. This is a posture that makes an animal appear smaller and used to communicate surrender. Submission

Communication is an action by an animal that influences the behavior of another animal. Example: Honeybees will dance to communicate to other bees the location of a food source. Animals can communicate with sounds, scents, and actions. Alarm calls, chemicals, speech, courtship behavior, and aggression are forms of communication. Communication

Courtship behaviors that animals perform before mating Courtship behaviors that animals perform before mating. It lets male and female species recognize each other and make sure that they are ready to mate at the same time. In most animals males will be brightly colorful and perform courtship displays to attract a female. Courtship Behavior

Chemical Communication Animals can use pheromones to communicate. Pheromones are powerful chemicals only needed in small amounts to communicate. For examples ants lay down a pheromone to produce a trail for other ants to follow. Chemical Communication