Introduction_to_Ethology_Detailed_PG_Class.pptx

Introduction_to_Ethology_Detailed_PG_Class

1. Introduction to Ethology PG Zoology Class University of Calicut Presented by: [Your Name]

2. Learning Objectives Understand what ethology is and its key features Explore the historical background and pioneers of ethology Learn Tinbergen’s Four Questions in behavioural analysis Discover methods used in ethological research Recognize real-world applications of ethology with examples

3. What is Ethology? Ethology is the biological study of animal behaviour in natural conditions. It emphasizes the evolutionary, ecological, and adaptive significance of behaviour. Coined from Greek: 'ethos' (character) + 'logia' (study). Example: Egg-rolling behaviour in geese — a fixed action pattern.

4. Example: Fixed Action Pattern [Image Placeholder: Goose rolling an egg back to nest] This stereotyped behaviour is performed even if the egg is removed mid-action. Such behaviours are considered innate and triggered by sign stimuli.

5. Historical Background Ethology developed in Europe during the early 20th century. Pioneers include Konrad Lorenz, Niko Tinbergen, and Karl von Frisch. They shared the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their studies included imprinting, instinct, and communication.

6. Konrad Lorenz and Imprinting [Image Placeholder: Lorenz walking with goslings] Imprinting: Young birds follow the first moving object they see after hatching. Demonstrates critical period learning in early life stages.

7. Tinbergen’s Four Questions 1. Causation: What stimuli elicit the behaviour? What mechanisms underlie it? 2. Development: How does the behaviour change over the individual's lifetime? 3. Function: How does the behaviour enhance survival or reproduction? 4. Evolution: How did this behaviour evolve in the species’ history?

8. Approaches to Studying Animal Behaviour Ethological Approach: Focuses on innate behaviour in natural contexts. Comparative Psychology: Laboratory-based, emphasizes learning and conditioning. Psychobiology: Integrates neuroscience and hormonal influences. Today, an integrative approach is widely adopted.

9. Ethological Methods Observation: Naturalistic or controlled settings. Sampling techniques: focal animal sampling, scan sampling, all-occurrence sampling. Use of ethograms: Catalogues of all observed behaviours. Quantitative analysis and reproducibility are essential.

10. Ethograms and Observation [Image Placeholder: Example of an ethogram or behavioural observation sheet] Ethograms help in standardizing and quantifying behavioural data. Useful in both field and lab research settings.

11. Applications of Ethology Wildlife conservation and reintroduction programs. Animal welfare and enrichment in zoos and farms. Understanding human behaviour through evolutionary psychology. Examples: Nest-building in birds, foraging in ants, communication in bees.

12. Real-World Examples [Image Placeholder: Bee performing waggle dance / Chimpanzee using tools] Bee waggle dance communicates food location to hive-mates. Tool use in primates illustrates learning and culture in animals.

13. Key Concepts and Terms • Fixed Action Pattern (FAP) • Sign Stimulus (Releaser) • Imprinting • Ethogram • Motivation • Innate vs Learned behaviour

14. Summary Ethology is the scientific study of animal behaviour with a biological foundation. Focuses on natural behaviours shaped by evolution. Tinbergen’s framework helps analyse behaviour comprehensively. Ethology has applications in ecology, animal welfare, and even human studies.

15. Discussion Questions 1. How is ethology different from comparative psychology? 2. Why is observation in natural habitat crucial in ethology? 3. What behaviours in humans might have ethological roots? 4. Try designing a simple ethogram for a domestic animal (e.g., cat or dog).