Evolution & Behaviour development

• What is the main focus of the topic "Evolution of behaviour"?

  How evolution informs animal behaviour
• What are the key aspects of how evolution influences animal behaviour?

  • Link between environment and behaviour
  • Heredity of behaviour
  • Differences between development and evolution
  • Darwinian Theory
  • Domestication
• How does a stable environment influence animal behaviour over generations?

  It leads to perfect adaptation to conditions
• How is the camel adapted to its desert environment?

  It can survive without water for days
• What drives the annual migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti?

  Dry and rainy seasons influence migration
• How can competition for resources affect animal behaviour?

  It may lead to increased aggression or feeding changes
• How do domesticated animals learn to avoid electrified fences?

  They learn not to approach the perimeter
• What is innate behaviour?

  Behaviour that is hard-wired and inherited
• What is heredity in the context of animal behaviour?

  Passing on traits from parents to offspring
• How do certain dog breeds exhibit hunting behaviour?

  They have genes that predispose them to hunt
• What limits an animal's ability to learn certain behaviours?

  Their genetic make-up defines their capacity
• What are the differences between development and evolution?

  • Evolution: Changes in heritable characteristics over generations
  • Development: Changes during an animal's lifetime
• How does development depend on evolution?

  Evolution defines the potential for development
• Who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

  Charles Darwin
• What are the key points of Darwinian Theory?

  • Variation in heritable characteristics
  • Competition for resources
  • Survival of the fittest
  • Successful traits are passed on
  • Adaptation occurs over generations
• What did Darwin observe about finches on the Galapagos Islands?

  They had different beak shapes for food
• How did the peppered moth change during the industrial revolution?

  It changed to a darker colour for camouflage
• What is an example of insects developing resistance?

  Insects developing resistance to insecticides
• Why were Darwin's ideas controversial?

  They challenged the separation of humans and animals
• What was the first animal to be domesticated?

  The dog
• What traits are necessary for an animal to be domesticated?

  • Can be fed easily
  • Suitable temperament
  • Social structure for relationships
  • Ability to breed in small spaces
• What is the common ancestor of dogs?

  The grey wolf
• How long ago did wolves start living with humans?

  Possibly 40,000 years ago
• Where were the first recorded remains of a modern dog found?

  Germany
• What are the theories regarding the domestication of wolves?

  • Wolves learned to live with humans
  • Various theories suggest multiple locations for domestication
• What significant change did humans make from hunting-gathering to farming?

  They began to farm instead of hunt-gather.
• How did the shift to farming influence human cultures?

  It led to more sophisticated cultures and technology.
• What common ancestor do dogs and grey wolves share?

  A common wolf ancestor.
• When did some wolves likely begin living with humans?

  Possibly 40,000 years ago.
• Where were the first recorded remains of a modern dog found?

  In Germany.
• What does the theory of self-domestication suggest about wolves and humans?

  Friendliest wolves approached humans for food.
• How did domesticated wolves benefit humans?

  They helped with hunting and guarding.
• What happens to dog evolution once humans began breeding them?

  Artificial selection replaced natural selection.
• What are the key differences between instinctive and learned behavior?

  • Instinctive behavior is innate and hardwired.
  • Learned behavior is acquired through experience.
  • Examples of instinctive behavior include:
  • Moths flying towards light.
  • Newborn mammals suckling.
  • Kitten kneading.
• What is an example of instinctive behavior in newborn mammals?

  Automatically suckling milk from their mother.
• How can some behaviors appear instinctive but are actually learned?

  Ducklings follow the first moving object they see.
• How does trial and error learning occur in animals?

  Through doing and assessing outcomes.
• What is a common experiment demonstrating trial and error in rats?

  Navigating a maze to find food.
• What is observational learning in animals?

  Learning by watching and copying others.
• Which young predators learn to hunt by watching their parents?

  Tiger cubs.