Lecture 1

A characteristic of an organism that can be observed, such as physical traits or behaviors.

A process where organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

A measure of an individual's genetic contribution to future generations. It includes both direct fitness (through offspring) and indirect fitness (through relatives).

The sum of an individual's direct fitness (through their own offspring) and indirect fitness (through relatives).

The actions or inactions of an organism in response to internal or external stimuli.

A physical or behavioral trait that increases an organism's fitness through natural selection. It is beneficial for survival and reproduction.

A type of natural selection that favors traits that increase an individual's ability to attract mates and reproduce.

A conflict between the evolutionary interests of males and females, often arising from differences in reproductive strategies.

Focusing on observable patterns and characteristics of organisms in their natural environments.

Using observations to predict future events or behaviors based on existing knowledge.

Using controlled experiments to test hypotheses about the causes and consequences of animal behavior.

The study of how animals interact with their environment and the constraints that influence their actions.

A constraint on an animal's behavior, often related to physical limitations or resources.

The development and changes in an animal's behavior over time.

The underlying mechanisms that influence and motivate animal behavior.

Examining the costs and benefits of different behaviors to understand why an animal chooses a specific action.

Any form of parental care provided by an individual towards young that are not its own direct offspring. This can include individuals that are related or unrelated to the offspring, meaning they may or may not gain indirect fitness.

The evolutionary effects of differences among individuals in their ability to transmit their genes to the next generation.

When the agents of selection are conspecifics of the opposite sex (usually females).

When the agents of selection are conspecifics of the same sex (commonly focused on males).

A trait that appears to reduce fitness, often resulting in a puzzling evolutionary paradox.

A form of sexual selection where females prefer mates who produce ultrasonic mimetic signals similar to those produced by predatory bats. This can lead to situations where females may mate with males that are more vulnerable to predation.

A process where two or more species evolve in response to each other, often leading to an arms race between them.

A specific type of coevolution where species have a competitive or self-interested relationship, leading to an escalating battle for survival and reproduction.

The study of the proximate mechanisms and adaptive value of animal behavior.

The immediate, underlying causes of an individual's behavior, such as internal mechanisms or environmental triggers.

The evolutionary history and fitness consequences of a behavior, focusing on its impact on survival and reproductive success.

Applying evolutionary theory, particularly adaptation, to understand social behaviors, especially in humans.

The study of how psychological mechanisms evolved to solve adaptive problems, particularly in humans.

An individual that listens to another animal's signals and uses this information to reduce the signaller's fitness.

An individual that uses deceptive signals to gain an advantage over the receiver, often by reducing the receiver's fitness.

A reduction in the likelihood of being consumed by a predator or other consumer due to being part of a larger group.

A type of signal evolution where the signaler uses the receiver's pre-existing sensory bias to gain an advantage in communication.

A stereotyped action used to communicate, often in the context of mating, aggression or defense.

A specific type of display signaling aggression or dominance, often used to establish territory boundaries.

A predictable behavior that is expressed even in the absence of experience or training. It is triggered by a specific stimulus and unfolds in a fixed sequence.

A stimulus that reliably triggers a specific instinctual response. It is often a simple signal that conveys specific social information.

A stereotyped, highly predictable behavior in response to a specific releaser stimulus. It is present from birth and is independent prior learning.

A form of learning in which individuals exposed to certain stimuli during a critical period form strong attachments to the object.

The process of learning that leads to a durable and adaptive change in an individual's behaviour.

This process occurs when a young animal learns to recognize and follow a specific individual or object. Typically, this occurs during a critical period early in life.

The specific time period during which imprinting can occur.

These are external prompts or cues that activate a fixed action pattern. They are often simple and specific to the relevant species and behavior.