ethological explanation

• How does aggression benefit survival in animals?

  It reduces direct competition for resources.
• What is established through aggression among animals?

  Dominance hierarchies
• What are the characteristics of most intra-species aggressive encounters?

  • Involve ritualistic signalling
  • Include appeasement displays
  • Rarely result in life-threatening violence
• What does an innate releasing mechanism (IRM) do?

  Triggers a fixed action pattern (FAP)
• What is a fixed action pattern (FAP)?

  Highly specific sequences of behaviours
• According to Lea (1984), what are the characteristics of FAPs?

  They are stereotyped, universal, and ballistic.
• What was the procedure of Tinbergen's research on sticklebacks?

  • Male sticklebacks are territorial in spring.
  • They develop a red spot on their underbelly.
  • Aggressive behaviours are triggered by intruders.
  • The red spot acts as a sign stimulus.
• What did Tinbergen find regarding male sticklebacks and red spots?

  They attacked models with a red spot.
• What does research suggest about the genetic basis of aggression?

  It is linked to the MAOA-L gene.
• How do twin and adoption studies contribute to understanding aggression?

  They highlight a genetic component.
• What do Wilson and Daly (1996) suggest about aggression?

  It is adaptive and innate.
• What challenge does Nisbett (1993) present to the ethological approach?

  Culture influences aggression, not just genetics.
• What is a limitation of the ethological approach regarding same-species aggression?

  • Not always ritualistic or harmless
  • Goodall (2010) observed violent chimpanzee conflicts
  • Conflicts ignored appeasement signals
• What did Goodall (2010) observe about chimpanzee aggression?

  Males killed members of a rival group.
• How does Hunt (1973) challenge Lorenz's view of FAPs?

  FAPs are influenced by environmental factors.
• What is the current preferred term for aggressive behaviours, according to ethologists?

  • Modal behaviour pattern
  • Indicates adaptability of aggression
  • Suggests flexibility in behaviour