Methods Observational • behaviors are observed and recorded without any manipulation of the animal or the environment e.g. ChimpanzeesMethods Experimental • Scientists manipulate or change a variable to see how it affects the behavior of an animal e.g. Digger Wasps • requires the use of a control group Test 2 Test 1 Control ExperimentalMethods Comparative • Scientists examine similarities and differences between related species or groups of animals to evaluate how and when a behavior evolved e.g. Burrowing behavior in miceStrategies & Tactics Strategy = plan of action in which you define your goals and decide the means by which you’ll meet those goals Tactic = an action or sequence of actions you use to achieve your strategical goals Example/goal: finding and capturing food Strategy = sit and wait method Tactics: a) find a hiding place b) sit very still and don’t make any noise c) when something gets close, use amazing speed and agility to reach out and grab it1. Single, optimum strategy – everyone in group uses same strategy Strategies & Tactics e.g. British Red Squirrels2. Alternative, competing strategies – multiple strategies found within a single group E.g. Male mating behavior in Blue-gill Sunfish Strategies & Tactics♀ ♂ ♂ ♂ Parental male ♂ ♀ Sneaky Male Satellite Male ♂ ♀ ♂ ♀ ♂ ♂A. Fixed strategy = “no choice” Orange – biggest, most aggressive, large territories, mates with as many females as possible Blue – medium, forms pair bond with one female, guards her from other males Yellow – smallest, look like females, sneaks on to orange male’s territory Orange beats blue: blue beats yellow: yellow beats orange e.g. Side-blotched lizards Strategies & TacticsB. Plastic strategy = “choice” E.g. Hamadryas baboons “Fight” or “don’t fight” Strategies & TacticsMale “B” Male “A” with Female “Z” Decision based on prior ownership Adopts “don’t fight” strategy. Darn, I guess she belongs to him.Male “B” Male “A” Male “B” with Female “X” Darn, missed my chance with that one! Also adopts “don’t fight” strategy.Male “B” Male “A” Male “B” She’s mine! She’s mine! Female “Y”Both adopt “fight” strategy.How do we study animal behavior?  scientifically  from proximate and ultimate perspectives  via observational, experimental, and comparative methods  as a set of strategies and tactics • single, optimum strategy • alternative, competing strategy - fixed - plasticBiological Evolution A change in the genetic make-up of a population over generations. The accumulation of many genetic changes results, eventually, in visible differences (changes in phenotypes). • evolution is a natural, observable phenomenon • our understanding based on scientific evidence collected and tested following the scientific methodEvidence for evolution: 1. Fossil record – physical evidence of organisms that lived in the past E.g. Origin of Tetrapods based on Fossil RecordEvidence for evolution: 2. Homologies – similarity of structures of different organisms as a result of their evolution from a common ancestor 1. Fossil record – physical evidence of organisms that lived in the past Ancestor Descendent“types” of homologies: A. Anatomical B. Embryological & developmental C. MolecularEvidence for evolution: • phylogeny = evolutionary history of a lineage 2. Homologies – similarity of structures of different organisms as a result of their evolution from a common ancestor 1. Fossil record – physical evidence of organisms that lived in the past homologiesEvidence for evolution: 2. Homologies – similarity of structures of different organisms as a result of their evolution from a common ancestor 1. Fossil record – physical evidence of organisms that lived in the past 3. Empirical data – experiments and observations E.g. Influenza virus E.g. Ground finches E.g. Artificial