Behavioral Ecology Basics

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What is the primary function of animal communication as described in the text?

Optimizing mating opportunities

Foraging

Recognition of castes

Monitoring behavior of neighbors (correct)

Which type of communication involves signals that keep individuals aware of each other's presence?

Contact communication (correct)

Alarm communication

Courtship communication

Status communication

What does foraging theory predict about animals' decisions according to the text?

Decisions that maximize energy will not be selected for

Decisions that minimize energy expenditure will be favored

Decisions maximizing energy per unit time will be selected for (correct)

Decisions will be random and not influenced by the environment

Which type of communication involves identification of rank and solicitation of parental care by offspring?

Status communication Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of animal behavior does foraging primarily influence?

Survival and reproduction ability Signup and view all the answers

In animal communication, what does sexual receptivity involve?

Identification of physiological readiness to mate Signup and view all the answers

What is Group Foraging?

When animals forage in the presence of other individuals Signup and view all the answers

What are some benefits of Group Foraging?

Reduced predation threat Signup and view all the answers

What is scramble competition in the context of group foraging?

Where each individual competes to get a portion of a shared resource Signup and view all the answers

How does group foraging affect an animal's foraging payoff?

Reduces it due to competition for resources Signup and view all the answers

What do female lions consider when making foraging decisions?

Hunting group size with cubs and territory defense in mind Signup and view all the answers

What does Optimal Foraging Theory help predict?

How an animal behaves when searching for food Signup and view all the answers

What do behavioral ecologists distinguish between?

Proximal and ultimate causes of behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is group selection in evolution?

Natural selection acting at the level of the group Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of behavioral ecology?

Studying the evolutionary basis of animal behavior under ecological pressures Signup and view all the answers

According to Wynne Edwards (1960), why did he argue for group selection?

To explain subordination of selfish interests for group wellbeing Signup and view all the answers

Which concept posits that natural selection benefits the whole group or species?

Group selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of behavioral ecology research?

Studying how ecological pressures influence animal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a predator?

An organism that consumes others Signup and view all the answers

How does learning influence foraging behavior?

By enhancing the ability to adjust foraging behavior based on previous experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor influencing foraging behavior apart from learning and genetics?

Predators and Parasites Signup and view all the answers

What is a prey in the context of foraging behavior?

An organism that is eaten by another Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of predators affect foraging behavior?

Foragers change their behavior to balance predation risk with their needs Signup and view all the answers

What does solitary foraging involve?

Foraging alone to find, capture, and consume prey Signup and view all the answers

What did Maynard Smith demonstrate about group selection?

It does not work when the number of successful migrants per group exceeds one. Signup and view all the answers

What does altruism in animals refer to?

An action that benefits others at the cost of the giver's fitness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept behind kin selection theory?

Closely related individuals benefit more from altruistic behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How do vampire bats exhibit altruism?

By regurgitating blood to feed hungry conspecifics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of altruistic behavior according to the text?

It can decrease the survival chances of the individual performing it. Signup and view all the answers

Why does kin selection theory suggest helping relatives with reproduction?

To spread shared genes even at a cost to one's own reproductive success. Signup and view all the answers