Ecological BehaviorsChapter 31.2

1. Describe competitive behaviors and give examples.

2. Describe types of communication, nurturing and cooperative behaviors.

Animals that engage in complex behaviors might survive and reproduce because they have inherited more favorable characteristics…

Competitive Behavior¨ competition for food, space, mates and other

resources between individuals within a population

¨ animals that have successful competitive behaviors are more likely to have resources needed for survival and reproduction

agonistic behavior: threatening or combative interaction between two individuals of the same species¨ usually does not result in injury or death – one will submit

dominance hierarchies: a top-ranked animal gets access to resources without conflict from other animals in the group – helps reduce hostile behavior between members

territorial behaviors: attempts to adopt and control a physical area against the other animals of the same species¨ include verbal signals (chattering of squirrels) and chemical signals (urine)

Foraging Behaviors¨ finding and eating food

Migratory Behavior ¨ moving long distances seasonally to new locations increasing the chance of survival

Biological Rhythms¨ repeated behavior in a rhythmic cycle ¨ influenced by environmental factors (temp, day

light, availability of food)

Communication Behaviors1. pheromones (specific chemicals)2. auditory communicationlanguage: form of auditory communication in which animals use vocal organs to produce groups of sounds with shared meanings

Courting Behavior¨ an attempt to attract a mate – males with the desired trait have a competitive advantage at producing offspring

Nurturing Behaviors¨ parents providing care to their offspring in the early stages life – providing food, protection, and skills needed for survival

Cooperative Behaviors¨ exist in groups of the same species of animal –

cooperative behaviors benefit the whole group

altruistic behavior: an animal that performs an action that benefits another individual at a cost to itself