BIOL325 Behaviour and Reproductive Ecology

Study Notes

Introduction to Behavioural Ecology

Focuses on the interactions between behaviour, ecology, and evolution, exploring how and why specific behaviours evolve.
Central questions: Why has a specific behaviour evolved? What are the adaptive advantages of behaviours like group living or mating strategies?

Natural Selection

A process by which species adapt to their environments through evolutionary changes.
Behaviour adapted to an environment provides a selective advantage, known as adaptive significance.

Purpose of Behavioural Ecology

Aims to determine how animal behaviour influences survival and reproductive success within their environment.
Investigates functional questions related to adaptations of behaviour to changing environments.

Founders of Behavioural Ecology

Konrad Lorenz: Studied innate behaviours and instinct. Introduced concepts like imprinting, highlighting genetically determined behaviours.
Niko Tinbergen: Focused on instincts and learned behaviours for survival. Developed research methods including controlled experiments and observational studies.

Key Concepts in Behaviour

Imprinting: A process whereby certain animals develop attachments during a critical period post-hatching, promoting survival.
Ethology: The study of animal behaviour in natural conditions, viewing behaviours as evolutionarily adaptive traits.

Tinbergen's Four Questions

Causation: What physiological mechanisms control behaviour?
Ontogeny: How does behaviour develop throughout an individual's life?
Adaptive Value: What function does the behaviour serve in terms of survival?
Phylogeny: What evolutionary changes have led to current behaviours?

Proximate vs Ultimate Causes

Proximate Causes: Mechanisms that explain how behaviours are executed (e.g., hormones, environmental triggers).
Ultimate Causes: Evolutionary reasons behind behaviours (e.g., natural selection, reproductive strategies).

Examples Illustrating Proximate and Ultimate Causes

Migration:
- Proximate: Triggered by changes in light and temperature.
- Ultimate: Adapted through evolution to avoid starvation.
Peacock Display:
- Proximate: Driven by hormone levels and genetic factors.
- Ultimate: Linked to sexual selection for attracting mates.

Practical Applications

Distinguishing between causal (proximate) and functional (ultimate) explanations of animal behaviour is essential for experiments and research in behavioural ecology.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of Behavioral Ecology in this quiz, focusing on the actions and reactions of organisms within their environments. Understand the intricate relationships between behavior, ecology, and reproduction as you prepare for spot tests and practicals. Take this opportunity to solidify your knowledge in this vital field of biology.