Animal BehaviorStudy Guide Answers

• Natural selection- favors traits that benefit the individual; populations change over time• Innate behavior- programmed by genes• Learned behavior- are influenced by experience• Imprinting- learning that can only occur during a specific period early

in life• Foraging- how animals locate, obtain, and consume food• Behavior- an action performed by an organism in response to a

stimulus• Courtship- the period during which a couple develop romantic

relationship

1. When Konrad Lorenz raised a group of newly hatched goslings, what did the goslings’ behavior show?1. Imprinting; studied graylag geese

2. Name some examples of sign signals.1. Sound, posture, movement

3. What is the purpose of animal signals?1. Stimulate a response in another animal

4. What is sexual selection?1. The choice of a mate based on certain traits or behaviors

5. What is a benefit of territorial behavior?1. Reduces competition for resources

6. What is a benefit of living in a social group (like lions)?1. They can hunt cooperatively

7. Behavior is ultimately shaped by ___.- Natural selection (evolution)8. What type of signal is long-lasting and works at night?-olfactory (smell); associated with pheromones9. What type of signal is fast and requires daylight with no obstructions?-visual10. What did Niko Tinbergen contribute to animal behavior?-he formulated four questions that motivate the modern study of animal behavior11. Describe the “sensitive period” of imprinting.-the time during imprinting when specific behaviors can be learned

12. What do ethologists study?-behavior13. What is a fixed action?-actions that are performed the same way generation after generation.14. What is classical conditioning? Give an example.-arbitrary stimulus is associated with a reward or punishment-example: dogs that salivate in response to a bell15. Why do animals use signals?-to communicate with other animals16. What is sexual selection?-mate selection based on the presence of desirably traits

17. What are the different types of animal communication?-tactile signals, visual signals, chemical signals18. What is social learning? Give an example.-learning from others-example: chimps learning to crack palm nuts with a stone by watching other chimps19. Describe promiscuity.-no strong pair bonds or lasting relationships20. What is a polygamous relationship?-individuals on one sex mate with several individuals of another sex21. What is the difference between polygyny and polyandry?-polygyny: one male and many femals; polyandry: one female, many males

22. What is a monogamous relationship?-when one male mates with one female

**in addition to the study guide, please read over the notes

45 multiple choice2 short answer