39 Questions
What processes contribute to the genetic makeup and phenotypic traits of species over evolutionary history?
Mutation and natural selection
How do species gradually accumulate genetic variations that are beneficial for survival and reproduction?
Through random genetic mutations
Which process favors traits that increase fitness in a given environment?
Natural selection
How do individual animals experience selection pressures during their lifetime?
Through environmental challenges
Why might species evolve specialized adaptations to specific ecological niches over time?
To utilize resources efficiently
In species where critical behaviors are essential for immediate survival or reproductive success and occur infrequently or only once in an individual's lifetime, what type of genetic program may natural selection favor?
Closed genetic programs
What is a characteristic feature of closed genetic programs?
They are robust and reliable
Which of the following is an example where a closed genetic program is advantageous?
Mate recognition and selection in species with infrequent mating
What type of behaviors are often encoded in an organism's genetic makeup under a closed genetic program?
Behaviors that are pre-determined and stereotyped
Which factor plays a significant role in determining whether natural selection favors an open or closed genetic program for a given behavior?
The species' life history
What factors determine whether natural selection favors the evolution of open or closed genetic programs for a behavior?
The species' evolutionary history and reproductive strategies
Which statement best explains why Coho salmon exhibit different breeding strategies?
To adapt to varying ecological and social conditions for increased reproductive success
What advantage do jacks, as a breeding strategy in Coho salmon, have over hooknoses?
Jacks mature early and return to freshwater sooner to avoid predators
How does the variability in innate and learned behaviors contribute to the overall fitness of species?
Balancing both types of behaviors allows for flexibility in coping with various conditions
Why is it important for male Coho salmon to have diversified breeding strategies?
To maximize reproductive success in variable environmental conditions
What type of genetic programs are beneficial for species with more variable or unpredictable environments?
Open genetic programs
What term is used to describe innate behaviors that are pre-determined and relatively inflexible due to being shaped by evolutionary processes?
Closed genetic programs
Which species' breeding strategy favors the evolution of closed genetic programs for mating behaviors?
Coho Salmon
How are behaviors gradually modified over generations according to the text?
Via natural selection acting on genetic variation
What type of reproductive strategy do Coho Salmon exhibit?
Semelparous
What does 'species memory' refer to in the context of adaptive changes?
Inherited behaviors from previous generations
Which factor favors the evolution of innate, hard-wired behaviors in mating for Coho Salmon?
Limited opportunities for mating
Why do species with complex social structures benefit from open genetic programs?
For greater behavioral flexibility
Which process involves the passing of behaviors conferring survival advantages to subsequent generations?
Natural selection
Why are instinctive behaviors considered 'robust and stereotyped' according to the text?
Serving important functions for survival and reproduction
What enables individuals to adjust their behavior in response to changing environmental conditions?
Behavioral plasticity and learning mechanisms
Which process involves the selection of traits during an individual's lifetime that enhance its survival and reproductive success?
Natural selection
What influences the development of animals and their adaptation to environments over generations?
Evolutionary history of the species
Which aspect of an individual's history involves traits that enhance survival and reproductive success?
Natural selection
What term refers to the accumulated adaptive changes in a species over generations?
Evolutionary history of the species
What factor plays a crucial role in shaping mating preferences in Blue Tits according to the text?
Social interactions and learning experiences
How might genetic differences between species contribute to differences in mating behavior?
By influencing the strength of imprinting
What is one way in which cross-fostering experiments help in understanding behavior and mating preferences in songbirds?
By providing insights into genetic predispositions and social interactions
Why can Blue Tits raised by individuals of a different species still exhibit conspecific mating preferences?
As a result of social learning from conspecifics
How do genetic predispositions interact with social interactions to influence behavior in songbirds?
By influencing the strength of imprinting
In what way do environmental experiences contribute to shaping behavior in songbirds?
By influencing imprinting processes
Which factor is NOT mentioned as contributing to differences in pair bonding success between species?
Ecological niche specialization
What role do social cues from conspecifics play in the mating choices of Blue Tits raised by different species?
They provide important social learning experiences
'Genetic factors' mentioned in the text are primarily associated with which aspect of bird behavior and mating preferences?
Strength of imprinting and pairing likelihood
Learn about the evolution of open genetic programs and how they provide greater behavioral flexibility and adaptability in response to environmental changes. Explore examples of species that benefit from open genetic programs.
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