BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATIONS Behaviour in Animals

Innate Behaviours Rhythmic Behaviours Animals repeat behaviours at regular intervals Different species of animals may follow different patterns of rhythmic behaviour Differences in rhythmic behaviours may be a significant factor in the ability of a group of animals to exploit the resources within the area in which they live and avoid competition from other species. Regulated by both internal and external factors - internal – biological clock - external – light

Feeding Behaviour Feeding may be:- On an individual basis On a group basis

Spider Webs Many innate behaviours in spiders involve the use of silk – in feeding and in reproduction Spider webs vary in their design and structure

Whales The species of whales are classified into two major groups – Toothed and Baleen. Differing physiological structures result in differing behaviours related to the functions of the physiological adaptation. Gulping and skimming techniques suit the structures of the baleen whales. Click here to watch. Click here to watch Bubble netting is used by the humpback whale. Click here to watch. Click here to watch

Migration The movement of large numbers of animals over long distances from one area to another area, and their subsequent return to their original home, is called migration. Animals usually migrate using the same route each time. A diverse range of species migrate – birds, fish, eels, insects and mammals

Migration Some animals may take years to complete their migration cycle. Winter and the disappearance of food results in migration. Very low temperatures can be fatal to some species. Migration is an important survival strategy

Bird Migration More than 1/3 of the world’s species of birds migrate.

Why do birds migrate? Birds need a constant supply of food. With the approach of winter there is a reduction in food supply. Birds migrate to warmer climates for a more abundant food supply. Migratory behaviour enhances survival.

How do birds know where to fly? Innate, young birds are born ‘knowing’ to migrate. Sun, stars, Earth’s magnetic field help determine the direction of flight. Magnetite has been found in the tissues of some birds. Its presence is related to the bird’s ability to navigate using the magnetic field.

Communication Behaviours Communication in the animals is an innate behaviour. Can be through:- touch, posture, sound, visual display and chemical signals. Communication behaviour is a response to a stimulus.

Communication Behaviours Important components of communication include:- Stimulus for the communication Sender of a signal Receiver to whom the signal is directed The kind of signal sent How the signal is sent The behaviour of the receiver The setting in which the communication occurs How does the Bower bird communicate that he is a good potential mate?

Communication Behaviours Messages to trick a competitor Eg alarm calls to trick a competitor.

Communication Behaviours The language of bees Bees dance to indicate the location of a food source. Bees also use smell. Why is it important for survival for worker bees to communicate to each other regarding the location of a food source?

Communication Behaviours COMMUNICATION UNDER WATER Sound is an important means of communication underwater. Sound is transmitted through water for long distances. Light can only penetrate very short distances below the surfaces. The range of whale and dolphin noises include: blips, clicks, groans, moans and snores, lasting from a few seconds to several hours.

Communication Behaviours Why do whales sing? To locate and identify each other. During courtship.

Communication Behaviours Dolphins Use various sounds to communicate different information. Use sounds for location and navigation. Echolocation is used for determining position. Navigation, hunting Clicks Play-chase, painSquawk Courtship, mating Yelp ThreatBuzz Alarm, fright, distress Squeaks, cracks, pops Resting, predator nearby Silence

Communication Behaviours CHEMICALS FOR COMMUNICATION Pheromones Used for identifying the location of food sources (leaving a pheromone trail). Attract members of the opposite sex (eg female dogs release a pheromone in the urine to notify males she is ready for mating). Can act over long or short distances. Very easy for insects and other animals to locate a mate, even in sparsely populated areas.

Communication behaviour - Ants Foraging is random until food is found. Energy efficient ( see above). Short lived scent marks minimise energy lost as they lead other ants straight to food source. Scent fades quickly to prevent ants wasting energy following trail after food is used up.

Social and Territorial Interactions Social Interaction Involves two or more individuals. May involve cooperation (mating, food source). May involve aggression and conflict as individuals or group to defend territory or select a mate.

Social and Territorial Interactions Reproductive behaviours

Social and Territorial Interactions GROUP ORGANISATION Size of groups and reasons for which the animals group varies A group may be permanent or stay together until its members are such that it splits in two Being a member of a group is safer than being alone Different kinds of groups are found in different species of animals Groups may be formed to make collecting food easier, for protection, for shelter or for mating. Whatever the reason, it increases the chances of survival of members of the group and the species.

Social and Territorial Interactions GROUP ORGANISATION Castes Eg ants, bees, termites, some wasps. Each caste has a different structure and performs a different function in the group.

Social and Territorial Interactions GROUP ORGANISATION Social Hierarchies That is a pecking order. Fighting occurs until an animal ‘knows its place’ in a group. The higher an animal is in the pecking order the greater access to food and other aspects of life in the group. Stronger animals in the group will have offspring that are more likely to be stronger members of the next generation.

Social and Territorial Interactions GROUP ORGANISATION Leadership –A complex social hierarchy. –Eg – Baboons with a dominant male and other males in rank order behind. –Why must a dog owner be the leader of the pack?

Social and Territorial Interactions GROUP ORGANISATION Territorial Behaviour Eg The dreaded Magpie swoop! Animals select a territory and defend it, protecting a mating territory or food source.

Social and Territorial Interactions COMPETITION Animals may compete for nesting places, positions in an hierarchy, etc. Group dynamics is important for survival and reproduction in many species.

Social and Territorial Interactions COOPERATION Animals often cooperate Many animals congregate in groups. Wolves hunt in packs in order to corner their prey. A wolf hunting singly would not be nearly as successful a hunter, and so we can call group hunting an adaptation since it increases the wolves’ chances of survival.

Do Innate behaviours remain constant? Innate behaviours are genetically determined and are similar in all members of the species. However, innate behaviour is not necessarily fully developed at birth and may be modified by learning. This learning comes through trial-and-error and experience.