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Case 8; behaviour

9 important questions on Case 8; behaviour

If you pose scientific questions on behaviour, it is important to know the direction in which you are seeking the answer. A distinction is made between?

1. Proximate questions = an answer to matters that determine behaviour at this moment; the internal and external mechanisms that underlie behaviour
-> questions on development and regulating mechanisms

2. Ultimate questions = address the long-term consequences of the behaviour
-> questions on the function of behaviour in terms of the consequences for adaption to the natural environment, survival and reproduction are ultimate in nature

Which 3 internal mechanisms are essential for proper functioning of an animal?

1. The sense that the animal uses to probe its internal and external environment
2. All the physiological and behavioural activities that an animal can undertake and that allow it to influence its own environment in a specific manner
3. The neuroendocrine system that combines the sense and mother coordination into a whole

What are the 4 central questions for properly understanding behaviour?

1. How do mechanisms regulate behaviour
2. How do behaviours develop in individuals
3. What is the adaptive value of the behaviour
4. How has it arisen and adapted through evolution

Behavioural repertoire (ethogram)

- is formed by (combining) fairly fixed behaviours, postures, movements or noises, called behavioural elements
- it is essential to describe each behavioural element to be observed so that others can repeat precisely what has been measured and understand why

Which 4 different observation methods are there (sampling rule)

1. Ad libitum sampling
2. Focal animal sampling
3. Scan sampling
4. Behaviour sampling

When measuring behaviour, it is important to distinguish which two types of behaviours, which 2?

1. Activities over time -> These are behaviours of a certain duration (walking, sitting, sleeping etc.)
2. Momentary activities -> These are behaviours of relatively brief duration (yawning and biting, which can be easily missed)

What can you tell me about focal animal sampling?

- the observer follows one animal or an animal unit over a predetermined period noting as much as possible of the behaviour displayed
- suited for investigating the social behaviour of animals

What can you tell me about continuous recording?

- the behaviour of a single animal is tracked closely for a certain period, noting each change in behaviour
- the duration, frequency, sequence of elements and distribution over time of each behavioural element can be determined accurately
- intensive observation, takes up lot of time
- usually done in combination with focal animal sampling

What can you tell me about sample-wise recording (time sample)

- an observation period is divided up into fixed time intervals, the end of a time interval can be indicated by means of an audible signal
- advantages: the behaviour of different animals can be recorded in a single protocol and a large amount of data can be collected in a brief perriod

- 2 sampling methods:
1. Instantaneous sampling -> At the moment of signal, the behaviour of an animal is recorded
2. One-zero sample -> At the moment of signal, notation for each behavioural element whether it has or has not been observed during the time interval

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Biology of domestic animals

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Case 8; behaviour

9 important questions on Case 8; behaviour

If you pose scientific questions on behaviour, it is important to know the direction in which you are seeking the answer. A distinction is made between?

Which 3 internal mechanisms are essential for proper functioning of an animal?

What are the 4 central questions for properly understanding behaviour?

Behavioural repertoire (ethogram)

Which 4 different observation methods are there (sampling rule)

When measuring behaviour, it is important to distinguish which two types of behaviours, which 2?

What can you tell me about focal animal sampling?

What can you tell me about continuous recording?

What can you tell me about sample-wise recording (time sample)

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