The ecological explanation of aggression

• What do ethologists argue about aggression in humans?

  It is explained by animal aggression.
• Why is ritualistic aggression considered more adaptive?

  It prevents physical harm and injury.
• What is the Innote Releasing Mechanism?

  A neural structure triggering automatic responses.
• What is the resulting aggressive behavioral sequence called?

  Fixed Action Pattern
• How does a dog demonstrate a fixed action pattern?

  By instinctively chasing a running cat.
• What evidence supports the ethological explanation of aggression?

  • Tinbergen's observation of male sticklebacks
  • Red spot as a cue for aggression
  • Aggression triggered by innate releasing mechanisms
• What limitation does the ethological explanation of aggression have regarding chimpanzees?

  It cannot explain all types of aggressive behavior.
• Why is it difficult to generalize findings from animals to humans?

  There is high variation in aggressive responses.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the ethological explanation of aggression?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by animal behavior evidence
  • Explains ritualistic aggression

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cannot explain all aggressive behaviors
  • Difficult to generalize to humans