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AP Biology - Animal Behavior& Communication
Genetic Basic of Behavior
Animal behavior can be inherited through genes (innate behavior), or it can be learned through interactions with
the environment. Behavior that is influenced by genes is molded by natural selection and other evolutionary
forces. As a result, most genetically based behaviors should increase the fitness, or reproductive success, of the
individual. The study of behavior that seeks to explain how specific behaviors increase individual reproductive
success is called behavioral ecology.
Kinds of Animal Behavior

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Summarize and give an example of each of the following.
Instinct
Fixed action patterns (FAP)
Imprinting, include critical period
Associative learning (association), include classical conditioning
Trial-and-error learning (operant conditioning)
Habituation
Observational learning
Insight
Animal Movement
Three kinds of movement are commonly found among animals.
 Describe and give examples of the following:
1. Kinesis
2. Taxis (example- phototaxis)
3. Migration
Communication in Animals
Communication in animals is commonly used in species recognition, in mating behavior, and in organizing
social behavior. Communication occurs through the following mechanisms.
 Describe each of the following and give examples of each communication mechanism.
1. Chemical, include pheromones (releaser and primer)
2. Visual
3. Auditory
4. Tactile
Foraging Behaviors
Numerous techniques have evolved to optimize feeding. The goal is to maximize the amount of food eaten
while minimizing the energy expended to obtain it and minimizing the risk of being injured or eaten.
 Describe and give examples of the following:
1. Herds, flocks, and schools provide several advantages:
a. Concealment
b. Vigilance
c. Defense
2. Packs
3. Search images
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Social Behavior
Animals may live in groups or they may be solitary. Sooner or later, however, all animals must make contact
with others to reproduce. In each animal species, social behaviors have evolved that optimize individual fitness.
 Describe the following patterns of interactions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Agonistic behavior (aggression and submission)
Dominance hierarchies, include pecking order
Territoriality
Altruistic behavior
Essay Question #1 - Answer the following essay question.
Define and explain how each of the following contributes to social behavior
a. Pecking order
b. Territoriality
c. Traveling in herds or packs
d. Altruistic behavior
Essay Question #2 - Answer the following essay question.
Describe each of the following animal behaviors as revealed in studies performed by the given researcher.
a. Fixed action patterns and Nikolaas Tinbergen
b. Imprinting and Konard Lorenz
c. Classical conditioning and Ivan Pavlov
d. Bee communication and Karl von Frisch
NAME THAT BEHAVIOR!
Create a concept map of animal behavior and communication by
identifying the behavior/communication pictures on the powerpoint slides.
After you have identified the pictures, cut out the pictures and create a concept
map which includes the following:
 Title
 Creative concept map organization
 Identification labels
 Connector or transition words as necessary
 Replace one of the pictures you identified with a picture of you displaying
the same behavior/communication. Include on the concept map.
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Plant Hormones & Movement
The growth and development of plants are controlled by substances known as hormones. There are five
classes of plant hormones, which affect division, elongation, and cell differentiation.
Complete the following chart: Functions of Plant Hormones
Hormone
Function
Location in Plant
Auxin
Cytokinins
Gibberellins
Abscisic acid
Ethylene
Plant Movements
1. Define tropism:
2. Describe and draw the following:
 Phototropism
 Gravitropism
 Thigmotropism
3. Describe photoperiodism, include phytochrome, Pr and Pfr, red light, far red light.