LO3

• What role does evolution play in behavior?

  It shapes species-specific behaviours.
• What is the link between environment and behaviour?

  • Animals adapt behaviours based on environmental pressures.
  • Influences include food availability, predation risks, and competition.
• Why are nocturnal species active at night?

  To avoid predators or extreme temperatures.
• How are many behaviours inherited?

  Passed down through generations via genes.
• What is the difference between development and evolution?

  • Evolution: species-wide adaptations over generations.
  • Development: changes in individual behaviour over a lifetime.
• What does Darwin's theory of natural selection explain?

  Behaviours increasing survival become common.
• How do better nest-building techniques affect birds?

  They increase the likelihood of surviving offspring.
• What is domestication in animals?

  • Alteration of behaviours through selective breeding.
  • Domestic species show neoteny, reduced aggression, and dependence on humans.
• How do domestic dogs differ from wolves?

  Dogs are more social and responsive to humans.
• What influences behavioural development?

  • Combination of genetics and learning.
  • Instinctive vs. learned behaviours.
• What are instinctive behaviours?

  Behaviours present at birth requiring no experience.
• What are learned behaviours?

  Behaviours acquired through experience and interaction.
• What is trial and error learning?

  • Animals attempt different actions.
  • Learn through positive or negative consequences.
• How might a young fox develop hunting techniques?

  By pouncing on moving objects.
• What is observational learning?

  • Learning by watching and imitating others.
  • Example: Young primates learning tool use.
• What is parental or social teaching?

  • Active teaching of survival skills to young.
  • Example: Meerkats introducing pups to live prey.
• What is cultural behaviour?

  • Learned behaviours passed down within groups.
  • Example: Dolphins using sponges while foraging.
• What factors influence behaviour?

  • Internal (biological) factors: hormones, genetics.
  • External (environmental) factors: presence of predators, competition, social hierarchies.
• What role do hormones play in behaviour?

  They are chemical messengers influencing behaviour.
• How does testosterone affect male animals?

  It increases aggression during mating seasons.
• What are Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs)?

  Instinctive sequences of behaviours triggered by stimuli.
• What does a greylag goose do when an egg rolls away?

  It instinctively rolls the egg back into the nest.
• What are external factors influencing behaviour?

  • Presence of predators and competition.
  • Seasonal variations affecting food availability and breeding.
• How do seasonal variations affect animal behaviour?

  They cause changes due to environmental conditions.
• How does food availability influence animal behaviour?

  It can lead to migration or hibernation.
• How do longer daylight hours affect breeding seasons?

  They influence breeding seasons in many species.
• How do extreme weather conditions affect animal behaviour?

  They may affect foraging or nesting behaviours.