WHAT IS
BEHAVIOUR
Ethology: The study of animal behaviour
Behaviour refers to the coordinated activities of an animal that are produced in response to a stimulus. The responses of organisms to their environment are a crucial part of survival. People study the complexities of why animals behave in the way they do, to gain a greater understanding of the way ecosystems function as a whole and the value of diversity.
Behaviour cannot occur without a stimulus, and thus depends on sensory organs to pick up stimuli and transmit information throughout the nervous system. Internal stimuli come from within the animal such as hormone levels, whereas external stimuli true to their name come from the external environment; an example being the sight of an
exposed egg (causes geese to roll it back to their nest). A stimulus is detected by nerve cells that are specialized as receptors for detecting any form such as light, taste or sound.
Since not all animals are the same in structure, organization and complexity within
their nervous system, detection is dependent on genetic inheritance. It has been shown that behavioural adaptations, which increase chances of survival and reproduction, will be passed down over generations through natural selection.
Generally speaking, behaviour can be divided into two categories: innate (genetic) and learned (environmental) behaviour. However one cannot divide behaviours neatly into these two categories.
Many species of bird migrate each year, usually for food availability and shelter. This may help them escape the cold winter or the shortage of food that it brings. Ability to migrate in the correct direction often depends on a bird learning routes or imprinting star locations.
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