Lecture 5 Study Guide - Social Behaviors PDF

1 Nervous System and Behavior Proximate Causes of Behavior: The neural mechanisms involved in behavior constitute the proximate causes of behavior. The process involves receptor cells acquiring sensory information from the environment, which is then processed by interneurons. This information is tra...

1 Nervous System and Behavior Proximate Causes of Behavior: The neural mechanisms involved in behavior constitute the proximate causes of behavior. The process involves receptor cells acquiring sensory information from the environment, which is then processed by interneurons. This information is transmitted via nerves to the central nervous system (CNS), where responses are generated. Species-Specific Neural Mechanisms: Different species possess different neural mechanisms, leading to variations in how tasks are performed and behaviors are exhibited. Consequently, species exhibit differences in behavior, reflecting the diversity of animal brains and their adaptations to specific environments and tasks. [References: GetRevising, Vanderbilt News] 2 3 4 5 6 Nervous System and Behavior Ultimate Causes of Behavior: At the ultimate level, animals differ in their neurophysiology due to varying selection pressures. Highly specialized sensory cells in different species reflect adaptations to specific ecological niches and lifestyles. Example: Star-Nosed Mole: The star-nosed mole, living in dark tunnels in wet, marshy soil, has evolved highly specialized sensory organs. These organs, known as Eimer's organs, are located on 22 tiny trunks on its nose, containing approximately 100,000 nerve fibers. The mole uses these appendages to sweep ahead like a high-speed broom, enabling it to identify prey, such as earthworms, in darkness. [References: Discover Magazine, Thunderdome] 7 8 Animal Senses Theory of Knowledge: The theory of knowledge encompasses the study of sense perception in animals, including the mechanisms by which they perceive and interpret their environment. 9 Animal Senses: Star-Nosed Mole Adaptations for Prey Detection: The star-nosed mole has adapted to its environment by reducing the size of its eyes and developing highly sensitive touch receptors. Information from the nose is processed in the somatosensory cortex, with about 25% dedicated to decoding stimuli from its appendages. This cortical magnification reflects the importance of these sensory organs in the mole's foraging behavior. 10 11 Cortical Magnification Organization of the Somatosensory Cortex: Cortical magnification refers to the phenomenon where different areas of the somatosensory cortex are magnified based on the behavioral relevance of corresponding sensors. The amount of primary somatosensory cortex dedicated to a body area is directly related to its sensitivity and receptor density. 12 Why Cortical Magnification? Adaptive Sensory Biases: Cortical magnification is a widespread phenomenon across mammals, reflecting adaptive sensory biases based on the importance of sensory receptors for specific behaviors. The concept of the homunculus, popularized by Wilder Penfield, illustrates the distorted body map in the brain, with certain areas magnified based on their behavioral significance. [References: Pinterest, EBMC Consult] 13 14 15 Eyes and Sight: Predator vs. Prey Pupil Shape Variations: The shape of pupils plays a significant role in the predator-prey relationship, with various adaptations seen across different species. Animals exhibit a range of pupil shapes, from heart-shaped in frogs to crescentshaped in dolphins, each serving a specific purpose. Panoramic View in Prey: Prey animals like goats and antelope have horizontal slit pupils, providing them with an enlarged view of their surroundings. These pupils enable them to maintain awareness of potential threats from predators, with the panoramic view aiding in early detection of approaching predators. Vertical Pupils in Ambush Predators: Ambush predators such as snakes, crocodiles, and domestic cats possess vertical pupils, allowing them to accurately judge distances and effectively gauge their prey's movements. Round Pupils in Active Predators: Larger predators like lions, wolves, and humans have round pupils, facilitating binocular vision and depth perception, which are essential for actively chasing and 16 capturing prey. Nocturnal Adaptations: Nocturnal animals have larger eyes and pupils that can dilate wider in low light conditions, enhancing their ability to capture available light. The tapetum lucidum, a reflective membrane behind the retina, helps in maximizing light capture by reflecting it back through the retina, improving night vision. Unusual Dolphin Pupil: Dolphins have a unique pupil shape with a characteristic protuberance called the operculum. The shape of the dolphin's pupil changes with varying light conditions, allowing for optimal vision both in low-light and bright conditions. [References: States Chronicle, KQED] Eyes and Sight: Vestigial Eyes in Moles Limited Vision in True Moles: True moles possess vestigial eyes that are functionally useless for vision. Adaptations to their subterranean lifestyle have led to the regression of their eyes, with other senses like touch and smell being more crucial for their survival. [Reference: Slate] 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Eyes and Sight: Role in Mate Selection Peacock, Frigatebird, Bowerbirds: Sight plays a significant role in mate selection for various species, including the peacock, frigatebird, and bowerbirds. These species often exhibit elaborate visual displays or ornaments to attract mates, highlighting the importance of visual cues in mating rituals. 23 Ears, Hearing, and Vocalization Adaptations Role of Larynx and Syrinx: Many mammals and birds possess a larynx, which produces characteristic sounds or "voices" as air passes over it and is modified by mouth and lips. Birds have an additional structure called the syrinx, located at the bottom of the trachea, which controls their vocalizations and songs. Functions of Ears Beyond Hearing: Ears serve various functions beyond detecting noises, including heat dissipation, indicating mood (e.g., elephants), and enhancing perception of surroundings. Some species, like the mole, have well-concealed external ears or vestigial structures due to adaptations to their environment. [References: Dr. Neurosaurus, Pinterest] 24 25 How Bats See the World: Echolocation Echolocation in Bats: Bats emit rapid high-pitched squeaks called ultrasounds for echolocation. By listening to the echoes produced when these sounds bounce off objects, bats can navigate and locate prey, similar to how dolphins use echolocation. Adaptations for Echolocation: Bats have specialized structures like "nose leaves" that help them direct their ultrasound emissions in different directions, aiding in precise target localization. [References: Kidzone, Ask a Biologist] 26 27 Vocalization and Communication Siamang Vocalizations: Siamangs, the largest of the gibbons, produce booming sounds using inflated throat sacs, followed by their characteristic shrieking calls. These vocalizations play a crucial role in communication within the species, facilitating territorial defense and social interactions. 28 arent-Offspring Communication: Communication between parents and offspring is vital for survival in species that live in large groups. Vocalizations and other cues enable offspring to identify and locate their parents in crowded environments, ensuring their safety and well-being. [References: Hamilton Zoo, Puntamita Adventures] 29 Vocalization & Communication: Parent-Offspring Recognition Recognition in Seabird Nesting Colonies: Despite the chaotic nature of seabird nesting colonies, returning adults can locate and feed only their own offspring, suggesting some form of parental recognition. Recognition typically develops shortly before it is required, coinciding with the mingling of young from different broods and the critical time at fledging. Delayed recognition minimizes evolutionary costs and reduces the risk of mistakenly rejecting one's own chick. [Reference: Science Notes] 30 31 Communication: Blue-Footed Booby Characteristics of Blue-Footed Booby: The blue-footed booby, a marine bird species, exhibits distinct characteristics related to communication and mating. The brightness of the blue feet serves as an indicator of individual immunological state and fertility, with younger males having brighter feet. Asynchronous hatching leads to growth inequality among siblings, often resulting in facultative siblicide during food scarcity. [References: All About Birds, Pointsoflight] 32 Ears, Hearing, and Vocalization: Animal Adaptations Grasshopper Mouse, Owl, Humpback Whales: The grasshopper mouse of Mexico uses a wide range of calls and noises for location, territory, and social interactions. Owls possess distinctive feather arrangements around their faces, directing sound waves into their ears and enhancing their ability to hear high-frequency sounds. Humpback whales produce extremely loud whistling noises for communication in their marine environment. [References: New Scientist, Bird Watching Daily] 33 The picture can't be displayed. Communication: Vocalizations in Mammals Mammalian Vocalizations: Many mammals, particularly males, use vocalizations to announce their presence and territory holdings. Bull elephant seals and dolphins employ complex auditory signals to communicate availability, territory, and maintain social bonds. [References: The Verge, Earthguide] 34 Communication: Primates Primate Communication: Primates, known for their vocal and expressive communication, utilize both vocalizations and facial expressions to convey messages within their social groups. [References: Various Image Sources] 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 The Scent of Anxiety Pheromones and Anxiety: Inagaki et al. (2015) identified a pheromone in rats that increases anxiety levels, highlighting the role of scent in emotional responses and social behaviors. [Reference: Asian Scientist] 43 The Perfect Tracking Dog Bloodhound as a Tracking Dog: Bloodhounds are renowned for their exceptional tracking abilities, making them invaluable in search and rescue operations. [References: The World Link, The Mary Sue] 44 The objective outlined involves exploring various aspects of the nervous system and behavior, focusing on both proximate and ultimate causes. Here's a breakdown of each component: 1.Proximate and Ultimate Causes: 1. Proximate causes refer to immediate factors or mechanisms that directly influence behavior, such as neural pathways, hormonal responses, or environmental stimuli. 2. Ultimate causes delve into the evolutionary reasons behind behavior, considering how natural selection and adaptation have shaped traits over time. 2.Importance of Receptor Cells: 1. Receptor cells are specialized cells in sensory organs responsible for detecting stimuli from the environment. 2. Understanding the role of receptor cells is crucial as they form the initial step in sensory perception, converting external stimuli into electrical signals that the nervous system can process. 3.The Triune Brain: 1. The concept of the triune brain proposes that the human brain comprises three distinct evolutionary layers: the reptilian complex (or basal ganglia), 45 the paleomammalian complex (or limbic system), and the neomammalian complex (or neocortex). 2. This theory suggests that different brain regions have evolved at different times to serve various functions, influencing behavior and cognition. 1.The Star-Nosed Mole as an Example: 1. The star-nosed mole possesses a highly specialized sensory organ, the star-shaped appendage on its nose, which contains thousands of touchsensitive receptors. 2. This adaptation allows the mole to navigate its dark underground habitat efficiently and locate prey through tactile sensation rather than sight. 3. The mole's sensory specialization and cortical magnification, where a disproportionately large area of the brain is dedicated to processing information from the star appendage, exemplify how evolution shapes neural structures to suit specific ecological niches. 2.Eyes and Sight in Different Animals: 1. Explore variations in eye structure, pupil shape, and visual capabilities across different animal species. 2. Consider how these adaptations reflect the visual needs and ecological niches of each species, such as predators with binocular vision or prey animals with panoramic vision. 3.Ears, Hearing, and Communications in Animals: 1. Investigate the anatomy and physiology of animal ears, their auditory capabilities, and how they communicate using vocalizations, body language, or other signals. 2. Understand how hearing adaptations aid in survival, social interactions, and environmental awareness. 4.The Sense of Smell: 1. Examine the importance of olfaction in animal behavior, including territorial marking, mate selection, and predator detection. 2. Investigate the anatomical structures involved in the sense of smell and how animals utilize scent cues to navigate their environment and communicate with conspecifics. Overall, the objective aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between the nervous system, behavior, and sensory adaptations in animals, spanning from immediate physiological mechanisms to broader evolutionary perspectives. 45