Option A.6 Ethology (Teaching Packet - Group F & G)

Teaching Assessment Statements

Group F Topics: (A.6) Introduction to Ethology: What is ethology, natural selection and animal behavior, the mechanism of natural selection, breeding strategies with salmon, altruistic behavior of vampire bats.

1. Define ethology.

2. Describe how natural selection can change the frequency of observed animal behavior.

3. Describe the mechanisms of natural selection and give a non human example.

4. Describe the life cycle of salmon.

5. Outline two breeding strategies of male salmon.

6. Describe how male salmon can either become a jack or hooknose.

7. Outline how breeding strategies in salmon are subject to natural selection.

8. Define altruism.

9. Outline how altruistic behavior is the result of natural selection.

10. Distinguish between kin selection and reciprocal altruism.

11. Discuss the evolution of kin selection in ants.

12. Discuss the evolution of reciprocal altruism in vampire bats.

Group G Topics: (A.6) Ethology & Case Studies of Animal Behavior: Shore Crabs, Birds of Paradise, Female Lions, Blue Tits

1. Define foraging.

2. Outline optimal foraging theory.

3. Outline how foraging behaviors are subject to natural selection.

4. Outline how shore crabs adjust their prey selection to optimize foraging.

5. Outline how mate selection can lead to exaggerated traits through natural selection in animals using one physical and one behavioral example in two different species of birds of paradise.

6. Describe the social structure of a lion pride.

7. Discuss how synchronized oestrus in female lions in a pride is an example of innate behavior that increases the chances of survival and reproduction of offspring.

8. Define migration.

9. Describe how global climate change has influenced migratory behavior in blackcaps and some of the advantages this change in behavior presents.

10. Describe how blue tits feeding on cream from milk bottles is an example of learned behavior.

11. What development in modern society have contributed to the loss of a learned behavior in blue tits.

12. TOK: The Selfish Gene (Dawkins, 1976)

The Selfish Gene means that genes act in their own interest (not that there is a gene for selfishness). Behaviors that benefit the gene will be passed on to the subsequent generation.

Discuss: With behaviors being genetic in nature, to what extent is anyone really good?

Are there truly any unselfish acts in humans?

Are we really kind to others for their benefit, or is it a veneer to promote our own reproductive fitness?