Behave Yourself! – A Summary of Animal Behaviors

J. R. JonesSpring 2006

Innate Behavior

• Also known as an instinct or inborn behavior.

• This is a behavior that an organisms is born knowing how to do. It is not learned.

• These behaviors are generally essential to the organisms survival.– Example: a spider building its first web.

Suckling to nurseEx: Pigs

ImprintingEx: Ducklings follow their mothers

MigrationEx: Geese

HibernationEx: bears, chipmunks, frogs

EstivationEx: African bullfrog and

fringe toed lizard

Positive ChemotaxisEx: Male cockroach pheromones

attract females

Negative ChemotaxisEx: The smell of a skunk repels

animals.

Positive PhototaxisEx: Moths to a light.

Negative PhototaxisEx: Moles live underground.

Circadian RhythmsEx: Human alertness during the

day

Learned Behavior• This is a behavior that is altered as a

result of experience.

Ex. Mother bear teachers her cubs what

to eat.

Ex: Nest building

ConditioningEx: Training a dog

Trial and Error(Operant Conditioning)

Ex: Learning to press a lever for food.

Trial and ErrorStudents who study get good

grades.

HabituationDog ignores all cars driving by until

your car pulls up.

Social Behavior

• The various ways in which an organism interacts with members of its own species.

• Social behaviors can vary greatly, depending on whether the organisms live together or lead solitary lives (interacting only to reproduce).

CompetitionEx: Rams fighting for mates. Squirrels fighting for territory.

TerritorialityEx: Wolves will mark their territory.Male beta fish fight other males in

their territory

CourtshipEx: Necking, dancing for mates in

condors.

Communication

• There are various forms of communication that may be used by a given species, including:– Visual signals (defined movements and

coloration)– Chemical signals (pheromones)– Sounds

Visual Communication – Cuttlefish changes colors to indicate

mood/messages.

Sounds • Birds – singing• Dolphins – signature

‘whistle’ and echo location

• Primates & Humans - language

Chemical Signals (Pheromones)

• Bees use pheromones to help other bees find food, nectar, and the hive.

• Lions use pheromones to indicate readiness to mate and identify their cubs.

Other Interesting Behavioral Patterns

• Mimicry and Camouflage - These are genetically linked properties that enhance the survival of the organism.

MimicryEx:Monarch and viceroy butterflies

• Viceroy mimics the bitter-tasting monarch butterfly.

MimicryEx: Coral snake mimics

• Scarlet King Snakes mimic poisonous coral snakes.

MimicryEx: Praying mantis

Protective Coloration/Camouflagesnakes (viper) and toads

Warning ColorationPoison dart frog and black widow spider