Ethology: Study of Natural Behavior

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Questions and Answers

What is the main theoretical view underpinning ethology?

Darwinian evolution

Which term describes a behavior that is stereotypic and repeated?

Repetitive

What is the characteristic of a behavior that is described as 'innate'?

It is consistent within a species

What is the fixed action pattern of a behavior?

The initial cue that triggers the behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of releasers according to ethologists?

They act as stimuli that affect only one species Signup and view all the answers

Why are behaviors predetermined and preprogrammed according to ethology?

To guarantee the completion of the behavior once initiated Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign stimuli?

A visual, acoustic, olfactory, or behavioral cue that triggers a response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sign stimuli triggering a fixed action pattern?

A wolf snarling at another male wolf Signup and view all the answers

What is the Goose-Hawk model used to demonstrate?

The impact of visual stimuli on goslings Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a fixed action pattern in humans?

Infant smiling at a pleasant look or smile Signup and view all the answers

What is a parent's role in teaching an infant?

Teaching the infant through nurturing and positive experiences Signup and view all the answers

What do studies mentioned in the text reveal about innate fixed emotional expressions?

They are rated similarly across different cultures and societies Signup and view all the answers

Why does the baby stop crying when the mother holds him/her close?

Due to signals from pheromones communicating the mother's presence and closeness Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes man from other animals according to the text?

Man's capacity to change his environment to suit his needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of sign stimuli according to the text?

It can lead to a full range of behaviors in animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sign stimuli mentioned in the text?

To initiate fixed action patterns in animals Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what determines the range of behaviors?

Genetic programming Signup and view all the answers

In the context of behavior, what does 'innate' refer to?

Genetically determined Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the environment in shaping behavior, as per the text?

Affects genetic programming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature vs nurture debate as discussed in the text?

Behavior is a result of both genetic and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a behavior is completely innate or completely learned?

Genetic programming Signup and view all the answers

In what way are language and culture different from behaviors in terms of determinants?

Biologically developed but learned Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of genes in determining behavior?

Provide templates for synthesis of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cues can trigger genetically programmed behaviors?

Hormonal and nutritional signals Signup and view all the answers

Can experience affect innate behavior?

Yes, experience can modify innate behavior in some cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the interaction of nature and nurture termed as per the text?

Nature-Nurture Interaction Signup and view all the answers

Why do rats only learn food-related tasks according to the text?

Due to their natural survival repertoire Signup and view all the answers

What limits the interaction of nature and nurture according to the text?

The type of behavior in the organism's natural survival repertoire Signup and view all the answers

What influences behavior to a greater extent in higher order animals according to the text?

Environmental triggers Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of mothering behavior according to the text?

Mothering behavior is due to hormonal changes after birth Signup and view all the answers

What triggers nest building behavior in birds according to the text?

Increase in prostaglandins levels Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the fixed action pattern of behaviors?

It is limited to behaviors in the organism's natural survival repertoire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethology

The main theoretical view underpinning ethology is that behavior is predetermined and preprogrammed.
A behavior that is stereotypic and repeated is described as a fixed action pattern.

Innate Behavior

A behavior is described as 'innate' if it is present in an individual from birth, without the need for learning or experience.
Innate behaviors are genetically programmed and therefore not influenced by the environment.

Sign Stimuli

A sign stimulus is a specific cue that triggers a fixed action pattern.
The importance of releasers according to ethologists is that they trigger fixed action patterns.
Examples of sign stimuli triggering a fixed action pattern include a baby's crying being triggered by hunger or discomfort, and a bird's nest building behavior being triggered by the presence of twigs.

Fixed Action Patterns

A fixed action pattern is a behavior that is predetermined and preprogrammed, and is triggered by a specific sign stimulus.
Examples of fixed action patterns include a bird's nest building behavior, and a mother's instinct to care for her infant.

Human Behavior

An example of a fixed action pattern in humans is the way a mother instinctively cares for her infant.
The role of a parent in teaching an infant is limited, as many behaviors are innate and preprogrammed.

Nature vs Nurture

The nature vs nurture debate refers to the question of whether behavior is determined by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).
According to the text, the primary purpose of sign stimuli is to trigger innate behaviors, suggesting that nature plays a significant role in shaping behavior.
The interaction of nature and nurture is termed as epigenesis.

Genetics and Environment

The primary role of genes in determining behavior is to program innate behaviors.
The environment plays a limited role in shaping behavior, and can only influence behavior to a certain extent.
Experience can affect innate behavior, but only to a certain extent.

Higher Order Animals

In higher order animals, behavior is influenced to a greater extent by the environment.
The impact of mothering behavior is significant, as it influences the development of behavior in infants.
The text suggests that the fixed action pattern of behaviors is not always fixed, and can be influenced by experience and environment.

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