Zoology
Animal Behavior
Warm-up 05/16
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Behavior is the way an organism reacts to
changes in its internal condition or external
environment.
Make a list of as many animal behaviors as
possible. You will have two minutes.
How Do You Behave?
In an average day, you exhibit numerous behaviors. Some
behaviors are learned and some are innate.
1. Think of a behavior that you can picture yourself doing.
What behavior did you choose?
2. When do you think you first exhibited this behavior?
3. What process was involved in the development of this
behavior?
4. Do you think this behavior is innate or learned? Explain
your answer.
Agenda 05/17
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Inherited Behaviors
Learned Behaviors
Which is What?
Complete pps. 1-3
Zoo Essay Due Today
What is Behavior?
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Behavior:
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Stimulus:
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The way an organism reacts to stimuli in its
environment
An environmental change that directly
influences the activity of an organism
Importance:
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Behavior is an adaptive value to the organism,
because natural selection favors certain behaviors
Inherited behavior
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Innate behavior
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Genetically inherited,
automatic response
Instinct
Inherited behavior
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Reflex
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A simple involuntary response
Usually acts to protect the organism from harm
Inherited behavior
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Fight or flight response
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An automatic response controlled by hormones
that mobilizes the body for greater activity in an
emergency
Inherited behavior
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Instinct
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A complex pattern of innate behavior that
begins with the recognition of a stimulus and
continues until all parts have been performed
Inherited behavior
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Courtship behavior
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a type of instinctive behavior between the
male & female that ensures reproduction
Inherited behavior
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Territory
 A physical space an animal
defends against another
member of its species
 Reduces competition among
members of the same species
Inherited behavior
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Aggressive behavior
Used to intimidate
another animal of the
same species, delivers
the message to keep
away
Ex: teeth baring,
growling, bird’s songs
Inherited behavior
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Dominance hierarchy
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A form of social ranking in a group in which
some individuals are more subordinate
Usually has one top-ranking individual, who
may lead others to food, shelter, etc
Inherited behavior
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Circadian rhythm
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Light-regulated behavior, based on 24-hour
cycle of the day
May determine when an animal sleeps and
wakes
Inherited behavior
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Migration
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The instinctive, seasonal
movement of animals
Response may be to both
temperature change and
hormones
Inherited behavior
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Hibernation
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A state in which the body temperature drops,
oxygen consumption decreases, and
breathing rates decline
Purpose is to conserve energy
(the “summer” version is called estivation)
Zoo Essay Due Today
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Over-all reflection on visit
After your visit, write an essay discussing the pros
and cons of zoos in the respect to these topics:
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Science
Conservation
Education
Animal Welfare
In your conclusion, state your opinion of Zoos based
on your field trip experience.