Proximate
immediate sequence of physiological effects that lead to behaviour— how?
Ultimate
adaptive value or evolutionary origins of the adaptive behvaviour– why?
Evidence for genetic component to behaviour: deprivation experiments
- eliminating the learn component through isolation of the subject
ex. squirrels burying
Fixed Action Pattern
pattern that appears essentially complete and is played out to completion once activated by a simple sensory cue, predictable, first performed without training
Evidence for a genetic component to behaviour: selection experiments
- hold environment constant
- all participants learn the same thing
- measure phenotype
- breed individuals with extreme phenotypes
- measure phenotype in next generation
Evidence for a genetic component to behaviour: crossing of genetic strains
ex. crossing of non-hygienic bees and hygienic bees affects their role in the hive
Evidence for a genetic component to behaviour: Molecular Genetics
ex. mono amine oxidase mutation: neurotransmitter not broken down normally = hyper agressive disorder