Ethology

Nature of science:

Testing a hypothesis—experiments to test hypotheses on the migratory behaviour of blackcaps have been carried out. (1.9)

• Ethology is the study of animal behaviour in natural conditions.
• Natural selection can change the frequency of observed animal behaviour.
• Behaviour that increases the chances of survival and reproduction will become more prevalent in a population.
• Learned behaviour can spread through a population or be lost from it more rapidly than innate behaviour.

Applications and skills:

• Application: Migratory behaviour in blackcaps as an example of the genetic basis of behaviour and its change by natural selection.
• Application: Blood sharing in vampire bats as an example of the development of altruistic behaviour by natural selection.
• Application: Foraging behaviour in shore crabs as an example of increasing chances of survival by optimal prey choice.
• Application: Breeding strategies in coho salmon populations as an example of behaviour affecting chances of survival and reproduction.
• Application: Courtship in birds of paradise as an example of mate selection.
• Application: Synchronized oestrus in female lions in a pride as an example of innate behaviour that increases the chances of survival and reproduction of offspring.
• Application: Feeding on cream from milk bottles in blue tits as an example of the development and loss of learned behaviour.

• The “Just So” stories by Rudyard Kipling are literary explanations of animal behaviour. What are the features of a scientific explanation rather than a historical or literary explanation?

Utilizations:

• Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
• Biology
• Topic 5.2 Natural selection

• The seven applications in this sub-topic are intended to reinforce understanding of the general principles. The applications include a range of types of behaviour and types of animal. Other examples, including local examples that can be observed, should also be studied if possible.