Behavioral Ecology

Important concepts: Fixed action patterns (FAP’s) Imprinting Kinds of learning: Classical Operant Inclusive fitness and altruism. Behavioral Ecology

Ethology is the study of the behavior of animals in their natural environment. Behavioral Ecology

Behavior Behavioral Ecology

Behavior Behavioral Ecology Genetics

Behavior Behavioral Ecology Genetics Natural selection

Behavior Behavioral Ecology Genetics Natural selection Learning

Behavior Behavioral Ecology Genetics Natural selection Learning Environment

Behavior Behavioral Ecology Genetics Natural selection Learning Environment

Ethologists ask proximate questions, such as “What triggers this behavior?” and ultimate questions, like “Why did natural selection favor this behavior?” Behavioral Ecology

Fixed action patterns (FAP’s) are unlearned, unchangeable behaviors triggered by a sign stimulus Behavioral Ecology

Fixed action patterns (FAP’s) are unlearned, unchangeable behaviors triggered by a sign stimulus Behavioral Ecology

Fixed action patterns (FAP’s) are unlearned, unchangeable behaviors triggered by a sign stimulus. Behavioral Ecology

Imprinting is learning during a sensitive period. Behavioral Ecology

Kinesis is a change in activity level or turning rate in response to a stimulus. Behavioral Ecology

Taxis is movement towards or away from a stimulus. Behavioral Ecology

Learning: habituation classical conditioning operant conditioning Behavioral Ecology

Mating strategies: promiscuous monogamous polygamous Behavioral Ecology

Mating strategies: promiscuous monogamous polygamous –polygyny –polyandry Behavioral Ecology

Altruism is explained by the concept of inclusive fitness, which includes an individual’s reproductive success and the help it gives to its close relatives to produce offspring. Behavioral Ecology

C = cost to the altruist B = benefit to the recipient r = coeficient of relatedness Behavioral Ecology

C = cost to the altruist B = benefit to the recipient r = coeficient of relatedness Natural selection will favor altruism when rB > C Behavioral Ecology

Important concepts: Fixed action patterns (FAP’s) Imprinting Kinds of learning: Classical Operant Inclusive fitness and altruism. Behavioral Ecology