Mammals and Birds: Behavior Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which species is a common vole found in the Maritimes?

Microtus ochrogaster

Microtus pennsylvanicus (correct)

Microtus chrotorrhinus

Microtus pinetorum

What characteristic is shared by Microtus ochrogaster and Microtus pinetorum?

Both are very uncommon.

Both are polygamous.

Both are monogamous. (correct)

Both are found in the Maritimes.

Which order includes species that are generally polygamous?

Mammalia

Perissodactyla

Carnivora (correct)

Artiodactyla

Which of the following species is known for having minimal paternal care?

Gibbons Signup and view all the answers

How many species of voles fall under the genus Microtus according to Nowak in 1991?

67 species Signup and view all the answers

Which mammal group does the dwarf mongoose belong to?

Viverridae Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which genus features monogamous species?

Microtus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mammal orders has species that exhibit monogamy?

Cetacea Signup and view all the answers

What does crèching involve in semi-precocial bird species?

A few adults collect and care for many unrelated young Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the aggressive takeover of young from another female in waterfowl?

Kidnapping Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canada geese use biparental care exclusively?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which bird is considered the top gang-brooder among geese?

Canada goose Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of gang-brooding behavior?

Multiple parents join together with their brood. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of geese, what is alloparental care?

Care provided by unrelated individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social structure is described as including more than two generations of related individuals?

Extended family Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a group and a population in ecological terms?

A group refers to any social unit, while a population is a collection of organisms of the same species in a particular area. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of overpopulation in social species?

Formation of withdrawn groups Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect is associated with prolonged psychological stress?

Inhibition of growth and maturation Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism regulates the physiological response to social stress in animals?

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is notably associated with the Bruce effect in rodents?

Pregnancy block or abortion Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pheromones in social behavior among rodents?

Regulating reproductive cycles Signup and view all the answers

Aggressive interactions in social species can lead to which of the following long-term outcomes?

Chronic adrenal exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

In humans, social chaos and behavioral anomalies in high-density populations may be influenced by which factor?

Cultural context Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) as described in the physiological mechanisms?

Managing stress responses Signup and view all the answers

Which group of monkeys includes marmosets and tamarins?

Callitrichidae Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for Callithrix jacchus?

Common Marmoset Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following monkeys is categorized under the genus Callicebus?

Titi monkey Signup and view all the answers

What type of mating system is characterized by one female mating with multiple males?

Polyandry Signup and view all the answers

In which animal group is polyandry most commonly observed?

Birds Signup and view all the answers

Which species is noted for the male being the sole incubator?

Black swan Signup and view all the answers

Which subgenus of marmosets includes the Amazonian species?

Mico Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of species accounts for polygyny in ducks?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes polygynandry from promiscuity?

Polygynandry has non-random pairings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific classification for the Pygmy Marmoset?

Cebuella pygmaea Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the exclusive male-female relationship based on sexual interactions?

Sexual monogamy Signup and view all the answers

What is the annual divorce rate for greylag geese?

10.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which marmoset is known for its distinctive black head?

Black-headed Marmoset Signup and view all the answers

In which region is the Red Titi monkey typically found?

Atlantic Forest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species demonstrates polybrachygamy?

Ruddy duck Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of forced matings?

They are documented in species like Malard ducks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is part of the subgenus Callibella?

Roosmalens' Dwarf Marmoset Signup and view all the answers

What type of monogamy is confirmed through DNA analysis?

Genetic monogamy Signup and view all the answers

Perennial monogamy in geese and swans is associated with which of the following rates of mate fidelity?

92-100% Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes social monogamy from other types of monogamy?

It refers to social living arrangements without sexual relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic breeding strategy observed in Muscovy ducks?

Promiscuity Signup and view all the answers

What feature is common among the members of the Callitrichidae family?

Social behavior and small size Signup and view all the answers

What breeding pattern is typical for the Anseranatidae or Magpie geese?

Cooperative breeding Signup and view all the answers

Which monkey is characterized by a golden and white fur coloration?

Gold-and-white Marmoset Signup and view all the answers

In polyandry, which is often observed in combination as an alternative to monogamy?

Polygyny Signup and view all the answers

Why do male ducks typically not follow more than one female?

Females are philopatric Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reproductive Behaviour, Mating Systems and Parental Behaviour

This section covers mating systems and related behaviours.
Firstly, modes of reproduction are discussed.
Then, reproductive effort, success and investment are explained.
Parental care and specific investment types (maternal, paternal, biparental, alloparental) are detailed.
Secondly, mating systems (e.g., monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, polygyny, polygynandry, promiscuity) are outlined.
Examples from mammals (canids, callitrichids, cricetids) and birds (anseriformes, anatids) are included.
Details regarding mating systems will be provided later.

Reproduction

Reproductive modes are discussed.
Reproductive strategies/systems are covered (including courtship and mating).
Parental behaviour and alloparental behaviours are examined as parts of reproductive strategies.

Modes of Reproduction I

Reproduction is classified by gamete production (egg, sperm, or both).
Methods of fertilisation (internal or external) and methods of producing young (viviparity, ovoviviparity, oviparity) are presented.

Modes of Reproduction II

Gonochoristic (separate sexes) is the most common mode.
Hermaphroditic (both sexes in one individual) is an example.
Parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction) is also described, with examples like top minnow.

Parthenogenesis!?

Parthenogenesis involves all individuals having only ovaries and producing only eggs ("virgin birth").
In some cases, sperm isn't necessary for complete development (e.g. whiptail lizard).
In other species, sperm is needed but the sperm's genome isn't incorporated.

Known Cases

Recent examples of parthenogenesis in sharks, blind snakes, and other species are provided.

Parental Care and Behaviour

Definition 1: Behaviors contributing directly to offspring survival after fertilisation.
Definition 2: Activities directed at protecting and preserving offspring.
Maternal care: behaviors performed by the mother (or surrogate female).
Paternal care: behaviors performed by the father (or surrogate male).
Alloparental care: care from non-parental kin.

Parental Investment

Definition: The degree to which parents compromise their ability to produce additional offspring to assist current offspring.
Investment impacts offspring survival/reproduction, potentially creating a conflict with parental interests.

Reproductive Effort

Includes energy and time investment as well as risks associated with reproduction.
This activity can decrease reproductive success.
Mating, caring for the offspring, and finding mates require significant energy/time, often increasing vulnerability to predators.

Reproductive Success

Reproductive success is defined in terms of offspring born, weaned individuals, and mating availability.

Parental Experience Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests mothering behaviour in rhesus monkeys requires learning through experience.
Primiparous females have a lower survival rate in the first few litters (55% loss in the first litter).

Sex Difference

Male reproductive success varies more based on insemination frequency in females, compared to female reproductive success which is primarily limited by egg production.
Bateman effect describes how variance in copulatory success is usually higher for males.

Parental Care: Main Theories

Parental provision model (classical view): parental care benefits the offspring.
Conflict model: parental and offspring interests can be in conflict.
Symbiosis model (Transactional View): Mutualism, with reciprocal benefits for parents and offspring.

Conflict Theory

Suggests that parental fitness is prioritized over other considerations
With time, the cost is higher for the mother to provide care.
Example: Nursing initiation in cats.

Issues with Conflict Theory

The validity and measurement of conflict intensity are questioned in existing mathematical models.
Many models concentrate on single-parent species with one litter per year.
Issues with multiple paternity and varying parental care across seasons are mentioned.

Symbiosis (Mutualistic) Theory

Parental care as a two-way exchange (transactional view).
Study on urogenital licking and water transfer in rats.
Female receives water from pups urine, which contributes to milk production.
The peak water transfer coincides with peak milk production/consumption.

Male vs. Female Care: 3 Views

Certainty of paternity: High certainty leads to higher paternal care while lower certainty leads to lower paternal care (e.g., in lions).
Paternity is more uncertain in species with internal fertilisation.
External fertilization species may show higher paternal care (e.g., sticklebacks) because of shared care obligations.
Internal fertilization species tend to show higher maternal care, particularly in mammals.
Mating system plays a role: monogamous species exhibit more paternal care.

Gamete Order Hypothesis

The parent releasing the gametes last typically provides parental care, particularly in mammals.
Fertilisation mode (internal/external) can determine which sex incurs primary parental care.

Association or Proximity Hypothesis

Proximity between parents and offspring plays a critical role in determining parental behaviour.
Internal/external fertilization and development also factor into who has the primary care responsibility.

Paternal Care (Species-Level)

Paternal care is rare in fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals but common in birds, although often observed in biparental care situations.
Specific criteria for defining paternal care in amphibians and reptiles are outlined.

Paternal Care is Often Associated with Monogamy or Polyandry

The Northern Jacana exhibits an example of strong paternal involvement whereas the females exhibit typical male bird traits.

Alloparental Care

Caring by individuals other than the biological parents, for example, "aunts" (females) or "allomothers" (females).
This behaviour is frequent in cooperative breeding animals (mammals/birds) and certain species with monogamous or matrilineal polygynous mating.
In kin selection perspective, it is a form of care that benefits related individuals.
Alloparental care provides experience, potentially enriching future reproductive performance.

Helpers

Kin helps raising young, often females ("helpers", "aunts").
Helpers are characterized by episodic resource availability, and examples of this behaviour in red foxes are provided.
Reasons for non-dispersal of helpers like risk of territory finding and mate finding are outlined.

Helping in Canids

Paternal care characteristics are observed in red foxes, wolves, and coyotes.
Different behaviours based on social system structure in each group are outlined.

Patterns of Paternal Care

Paternal care is noted to be common in species with monogamy.
Cooperative breeding is associated with monogamy, contributing to biparental care.
A breakdown of paternal care percentages in mammals and birds is provided.

Evaluating Male Investment in Wild Canids

Criteria for evaluating male parental care in wild canids (including grooming, carrying, feeding young, and defending).

Notes of Species Differences

Paternal care varies within a given taxon.
Examples of the African hunting dog, and various species of callitrichid monkeys are provided as examples.

Paternal Care in Canids

A table displaying data about various canid species and their respective paternal care contributions.

From Parental Care to Mating System: The Case of Cooperative Breeding

Cooperative breeding is rare in mammals (1%).
Found in mammals/birds and is seen as common in 3 orders: Carnivora (canids and mongooses/meerkats) and primates (Callitrichidae - marmosets/tamarins).

Rodents Engaged in Cooperative Breeding

Specific rodent families and species showcasing cooperative breeding.

Cooperative Breeding in Birds

Cooperative breeding is seen in some bird species (3-8% of bird species).
Types of birds showing high cooperative breeding are Coraciiformes, Piciformes, Passeriformes (such as various corvids and some passerines), with examples of various species given.

Mating Systems

Fundamental mating systems, including monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, polygyny, polygynandry, promiscuity, are summarised.

Polygamy: Polygyny

One male mating with many females.
Types including resource defense, female defense, and male dominance.

Polygamy: Polyandry

One female mating with many males.
Uncommon but seen in combination with male polygyny or as an alternative to monogamy in some social canids.
Often associated with sex role reversals, with males performing most of the parental care.

Examples of Polyandry

Polyandry is more common in birds (e.g. hummingbirds, spotted sandpipers, Galapagos hawk).
Though is arguably found in some mammal species, like the African wild dog.

Polygynandry & Promiscuity

Males and females mate with multiple partners.
Polygynandry: non-random choice and pairing of males and females).
Promiscuity (polybrachygamy): random choice and pairing of males and females.

Alternative Mating Strategies

Forced matings/copulations are employed when males can't get access to mates.
Surreptitious mating or kleptogamy (sneak mating) are alternative mating strategies in birds and certain mammals.

Types of Monogamy 1

Genetic monogamy: Males and females have pair bonds confirmed by DNA analysis.
Sexual/mating monogamy: Exclusive relationship based on sexual interactions.
Social monogamy: Living arrangement between a male and female (e.g., coyotes).

Types of Monogamy 2

Monogamous social system = social monogamy
Monogamous mating system refers to monogamous sexual and genetic relationships.

Monogamy: 7 Criteria

Criteria for defining monogamy from Poole (1985) and Dewsbury (1988), including sexual dimorphism, exclusivity of mating, pair bond, biparental care, exclusion of strangers, reproductive suppression, and incest avoidance.

Reduced Sexual Dimorphism and Reproductive Variance

A table relating mating system to body size, maturation, and reproductive variance for monogamy, polygny and polyandry, highlighting differences between mating systems.

Exclusivity of Mating

Defining exclusivity in terms of the number of sexual partners (simultaneous or serial), genetic and biological methodologies are explained.

Pair Bond

Exploring spatial proximity (e.g., shared territory/home range), and whether the association is continuous or discreet in the case of pair bonds.

Biparental (+) Care

Detailing male/female involvement (high and often equal).
Discusses alloparental care in the context of cooperative breeding.
Outlines a continuum of helper involvement to extended, multigenerational families.

Other Criteria

Discusses exclusion of non-kin, immediate/extended family dynamics, and reproductive suppression in certain social structures.
Includes the concept of incest avoidance, although this doesn't apply to all species.

Monogamy vs. Polygamy

Discusses the high degree of monogamy in bird species (approximately 90%), and the contrast with a lower percentage in mammals, where biparental care can occur in polygynous species.
The role of resource availability and scarcity in affecting the prevalence of monogamy is considered.

Monogamy or "Monogamy"

Points out that monogamy is often a relative preference, rather than an absolute standard.
Examples of species exhibiting infidelity or extrapair copulations are detailed, even in cases that are seen as monogamous.

Taxonomies of Monogamy 1* (Mammals)

Divides the social behaviours of monogamy into categories: Facultative and Obligate, with breakdowns of group size, and the different family structures.

Taxonomies of Monogamy 2* (Mammals)

Spatial dimension taxonomy (territorial, female defense, dominance-based).
Temporal dimension taxonomy (serial, permanent).

General Classification of Mating Organization

A table summarising general versus spatial and temporal classifications for various mating behaviours.

Taxonomies of Monogamy 3* (Mammals)

Grade I, II and III categories for monogamous mammalian behaviours.

Taxonomy of social and mating behaviours in wild canids is presented in tabulated form, detailing various species, classifications, mating systems and territories.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Raccoon dog species are presented, and categorized.

Fennec (Fennecus/Vulpes zerda)

Fennec species and its characteristics are presented, and categorized.

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

African wild dog species, and its characteristics are presented, and categorized..

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)

Bush dog species, and its characteristics are presented, and categorized..

Dholes (Cuon alpinus)

Dhole (Cuon alpinus) species, and its characteristics are presented and categorized..

Other Differences with Other Bird Taxa

Comparison of male nesting/incubation behaviours with other bird species, highlighting differences in waterfowl behaviour.

Reasoning the Paradox

Discusses why males in waterfowl species may not exhibit significant paternal care.
Factors like the philopatric behaviour of females and the critical role males play in early pos-mating stages (e.g., egg production) are highlighted.

Non-Monogamy in Waterfowl

Types of non-monogamous mating behaviours in waterfowl, and examples (e.g. Anseranatidae, Grey-sided comb duck, Ruddy duck, Maccoa duck, Musk duck and Muscovy duck.

Perennial Monogamy

Defining perennial monogamy in waterfowl.
Contrasting this behaviour in ducks and other bird species, addressing varying reproductive patterns seen in different bird groups.

Divorce in Perennial Monogamy

Discusses divorce rates in two waterfowl species, the barnacle goose and greylag goose, pointing out variation.

Cooperative Breeding and Brood Amalgamation in Waterfowl

Discusses cooperative breeding and brood amalgamation in waterfowl behaviours in various waterfowl species.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Gang Brooding

Canada goose reproductive behaviours, including cooperative breeding in gang brooding situations, are detailed.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) and Nannies (Babysitters): Form of Crèching

Describes the use of nannies (babysitters) in Canada goose species as a form of crèching.
Highlights the reciprocal cooperation in these situations.

Group Size and Population Regulation

Discussing group size in relation to population regulation.

A Few Definitions...

Definitions for terms like groups, extended families, and populations.

Models

Different models used for explaining population regulation, including Wynne-Edwards' group selection model, Selye's general adaptation syndrome, Christian's model, Calhoun's model, and Sapolsky's data.

Factors in Demographic Regulation

The regulation of population growth is impacted by both external and internal factors.

K Selected Species vs. R Selected Species

Comparison of K and r selected species. The characteristics of each type are mentioned, and example species in each category are included.

Reproductive Strategies

Discussion of K and r selected organisms in various species groups (reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians, fish).

Internal and External Limiting Factors

Discusses density-independent vs. density-dependent factors.
These factors play a role in population size regulation and carrying capacity.

Mechanisms and Their "Timing"

Suppressive behavioural, related physiological, and temporal factors for the mechanisms underpinning population regulation.
The timing of these mechanisms in animals (e.g., in relation to preconception and postconception) is also described.

Summary of Variables and Mechanisms

Summarizes physiological and behavioural factors affecting regulation of populations.

Causes and Mechanisms

Factors and causes (inter- and intra-specific competition, and adaptation to environmental constraints) leading to population regulation.

Behavioural Mechanisms 1

Key behavioural mechanisms of population regulation (epideictic displays, territory size modulations).

Behavioural Mechanisms 2

Behavioural factors are explored in the context of overpopulation and social pathology
Examples include behavioural sinks in mice and similar phenomena in human societies.

Physiological Mechanisms 1

In-depth discussion of physiological mechanisms in relation to population regulation, focusing on the HPA axis.
This includes mechanisms like Selye's general adaptation syndrome and Christian's model, detailing their impact on disease and exhaustion of adrenal glands.

Physiological Mechanisms 2

The physiological role of suppression of various biological processes like immune, growth, or sexual process, in relation to population density and resource availability is explored.
It includes the epigenetic effects that may persist across generations, even after regulation.

Physiological Mechanisms 3

Physiological mechanisms (including pheromones) and regulation are further detailed.

Pheromonal Effects (Rodents)

Describing pheromonal effects like the Bruce effect, in relation to pregnancy and male/female mating behaviours, from stress, and changes in density.
The importance of such mechanisms in population regulation is detailed.

Problems within These Studies

Potential problems with studies related to population regulation (e.g., unrealistic laboratory conditions, difficulty controlling natural factors).
Key research gaps/limitations (i.e., evolutionary purpose of mechanisms).

Group Selection vs. Kin Selection

Discussing the differing theoretical approaches to modelling population regulation.
It clarifies the differences between group selection and kin selection.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various mammals and bird species, focusing on their breeding behavior, parental care, and social structures. This quiz includes questions about voles, geese, and their unique characteristics. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these fascinating animals!