Dictionary > Behavioural ecology

Behavioural ecology

Definition
noun
The study of behavioral adaptations and interactions of animals within a population in relation to the selective pressures in a particular ecological environment
Supplement
Behavioral ecology is a sub-discipline of animal biology. It focuses on the behavioral adaptations and interactions of animals within a population in relation to the selective pressures in a particular ecological environment. It stems from ethology, which studies animal behavior in its natural habitat. An individual specializing in this field is called behavioral ecologist. Niko Tinbergen is credited as one of the founders of behavioral ecology for his contributions in the understanding of how natural selection shapes animal behavior. He investigated how the adaptive behavior of animals increases their reproductive and survival values in their natural habitat.
Behavioral ecology is concerned with answering questions such as if the behavior of an animal is adaptive, and if it is, how then it becomes adaptive. There are two major types of questions: the proximate questions (or the “how”) and the ultimate questions (or the “why”). The proximate queries attempt to understand how a particular behavior develops and evolves. Environmental stimuli that triggered a behavior are determined. It also looks upon the genetic, physiological, and structural systems that lead to a particular behavior. The ultimate questions attempt to address the significance of that behavior to the animal’s evolution, survival, and reproduction.
Variant(s):

  • behavioural ecology

See also:

  • ethology
  • zoology
  • ecology


  • You will also like...

    Developmental Biology
    Developmental Biology

    Developmental biology is a biological science that is primarily concerned with how a living thing grows and attains matu..

    Geological Periods
    Geological Periods

    Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..

    Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form
    Examples of Natural Selection

    Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..

    Genetics and Evolution
    Genetics and Evolution

    Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

    takahē
    Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri)

    Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matte..

    Genetic engineering
    Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages

    This tutorial presents the benefits and the possible adverse eventualities of genetic engineering. Know more about this ..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics