Proximate and Ultimate Causes of Animal Behaviour
The beewolf wasp (Philanthus triangulum)
Beewolf wasp burrows
Niko Tinbergen: one of the founders of ethology
The Scientific Method Observation and causal question Hypothesis Predictions Test of predictions Conclusion
The Scientific Method Observation and causal question : Beewolves find the entrance to their own nests. How do they do it? Hypothesis : They use local landmarks as cues Predictions : If they use local landmarks then manipulating those landmarks should mislead them Test of predictions : Experiments Conclusion : Yes, local landmarks are used by beewolves as cues in finding own nest
Black-headed gull … and its chicks
The Scientific Method Observation and causal question - black headed gulls remove eggshells. Why did black headed gulls evolve behaviour of eggshell removal? Hypothesis - maybe this behaviour helps parent gulls to conceal their offspring from predators Predictions - if so, broken eggshells should help predators find food Test of predictions - experiment Conclusion - yes, eggshell removal appears to help parent gulls conceal offspring from predators
Proximate causesUltimate causes of behavour
Oystercatcher Black-headed gull Kittiwake
Oystercatcher Solitary nesting Nest predators Immediate eggshell removal Black-headed gull Group nesting Nest predation present Delayed eggshell removal Kittiwake Group nesting No nest predators No eggshell removal
Why do babies cry???