A.6 Ethology

Understandings Ethology is the study of animal behavior in natural conditions Natural selection can change the frequency of observed animal behavior Behavior that increases the chances of survival and reproduction will become more prevalent in a population Learned behavior can spread through a population or be lost from it more rapidly than innate behavior Application Migratory behavior in blackcaps as an example of the genetic basis of behavior and its change by natural selection Blood sharing in vampire bats as an example of the development of altruistic behavior by natural selection Foraging behavior of shore crabs as an example of increasing chances of survival by optimal prey choice Breeding strategies in coho salmon populations as an example of behavior affecting chances of survival and reproduction Courtship in birds of paradise as an example of mate selection Synchronizes oestrus in female lions in a pride as an example of innate behavior that increases the chances of survival and reproduction Feeding on cream from milk bottles by blue tits as an example of the development and loss of learned behavior

Ethology vs Psychology

Natural Selection

Genetic basis? Environmental Benefit?

Altruistic behavior

Foraging behavior in shore crabs

Breeding strategies in coho salmon

Courtship in the bird of paradise

Synchronized oestrus in lions

Blue tits and learning and forgetting