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Questions and Answers
Which of Tinbergen's four questions focuses on the evolutionary history of a trait?
Which of Tinbergen's four questions focuses on the evolutionary history of a trait?
The question 'How does it work?' is considered an ultimate focus question.
The question 'How does it work?' is considered an ultimate focus question.
False (B)
What does the term 'ontogeny' refer to in the context of Tinbergen's questions?
What does the term 'ontogeny' refer to in the context of Tinbergen's questions?
development
The question 'What is it for?' is concerned with the trait's _________.
The question 'What is it for?' is concerned with the trait's _________.
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Match the following questions with their corresponding focus:
Match the following questions with their corresponding focus:
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Which of the following is a dynamic question with a proximate focus?
Which of the following is a dynamic question with a proximate focus?
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A question about the stimulus and response of behaviour falls under the ultimate focus.
A question about the stimulus and response of behaviour falls under the ultimate focus.
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List two concepts related to how behavior develops, as mentioned in the content.
List two concepts related to how behavior develops, as mentioned in the content.
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Which of Tinbergen's four questions focuses on how a behavior develops?
Which of Tinbergen's four questions focuses on how a behavior develops?
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The mechanism of a behavior focuses on its evolutionary history.
The mechanism of a behavior focuses on its evolutionary history.
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According to the provided content, what is the primary function of bird song?
According to the provided content, what is the primary function of bird song?
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The study of how a behavior advances fitness, either through survival or reproduction, is referred to as its ______
The study of how a behavior advances fitness, either through survival or reproduction, is referred to as its ______
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Match the following descriptions with the corresponding level of analysis of behavior:
Match the following descriptions with the corresponding level of analysis of behavior:
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A behavior being a 'carry-over from a common ancestor' would be most relevant to which area of study?
A behavior being a 'carry-over from a common ancestor' would be most relevant to which area of study?
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According to the material provided, all study systems have fully addressed all four of Tinbergen’s questions.
According to the material provided, all study systems have fully addressed all four of Tinbergen’s questions.
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What is the 'song system' in songbirds described as in the content?
What is the 'song system' in songbirds described as in the content?
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Study Notes
Tinbergen's Four Questions of Ethology
- Tinbergen's four questions provide a framework for understanding behaviour.
- They address both proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour.
Proximate Questions
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Mechanism (causation): Explains the immediate physiological mechanisms causing a behaviour.
- Focuses on the stimulus and response.
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Example: How the sensory-motor apparatus in a bird explains a song.
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Ontogeny (development): Explores how the behaviour develops during the organism's lifespan.
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Focuses on how a behaviour develops over time, including factors like instinct, imprinting, and learning.
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Example: How a bird learns its song during a sensitive period in its development
Ultimate Questions
- Phylogeny (evolutionary history): Examines the evolutionary history of a trait, including how it has varied across species. It also probes the role of genes.
- Example: Comparing the song of different bird species to understand how songs have changed evolutionary over time.
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Adaptive significance (function): Investigates how a behaviour has influenced an animal's fitness or reproductive success.
- Focuses on how behaviours help to influence survival and reproduction.
- Example: How songs attract mates or warn off rivals, influencing fitness.
Integrating Proximate and Ultimate Causes
- A complete understanding of behaviour requires considering both types of causes.
- Tinbergen's framework emphasizes an integrated understanding of behaviour, relating proximate mechanisms to ultimate causes for a comprehensive view.
- Many studies do not consider all four questions.
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Description
Explore Tinbergen's framework for understanding behavior through his four key questions: mechanism, ontogeny, phylogeny, and adaptation. This quiz delves into the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior with examples from the animal kingdom, particularly focusing on birds. Test your knowledge of how these theoretical foundations apply in ethology.
