Animal Behavior, Fall, 2000

Bi 376, Hour Exam I

Instructions:

1) After receiving the exam, you are free to work on the answers in any classroom in Boyd Hall.

2) You may not use any information other than what you have stored in your brain (no notes, books, etc.)

3) Please limit your answers to the space provided beneath each answer. Feel free to use labeled diagrams (i.e. - graphs) to enhance your answers. Write clearly and concisely.

4) You have 1.5 hours to complete this examination. Remember that you have agreed not to discuss this examination with anyone else in the class until all have taken it (I will let you know in class).

5) Please sign below if you agree to the above policies.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Honor Statement: I have read the above instructions and agree to them. I promise to neither give nor receive any help on this examination.

Signed,

 

 

Choose 6 out of the following 7 - Short Answer. These questions can be answered in 2-4 sentences or a labeled diagram and 1-2 sentences. @ 10 points

 

1) Briefly compare and contrast the advantages/disadvantages of ethological versus psychological/neurobiological methods of studying animal behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Behaviors can be affected by single genes. Support this statement with a specific example.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Define in one or two sentences. Choose 4/5:

a) fitness

 

 

 

 

b) adaptation

 

 

 

 

c) sympatry

 

 

 

 

d) niche

 

 

 

 

e) ethogram

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) List and briefly describe two potential causes of evolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5) Interpret the findings contained in the following diagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Briefly describe direct evidence that has been gathered that evolution of behavior via natural selection actually occurs in the environment (field).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7) Briefly describe Darwin's theory of natural selection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose 2 out of the following 3: - Essay Questions: Answer the following questions in essay format (a paragraph or two with topic sentences followed by information supporting the topic sentence. Labeled figures or graphs are encouraged but be sure to explain these with text. You can also use the back side of the sheets of paper. @ 20 points

 

1) Describe a few of the studies on the echolocation abilities of the little brown bat. Be sure to state the conclusions of the studies.

2) While spleunking in the Polar caves of Rumney you encounter an insect that is new to science. You name this new animal Polaris rumneis and want to begin to learn about its behavior. Design a series of experiments that will enable you determine the animal's ability to a) navigate in a cave or b) find a mate. Be sure to mention many of the important experimental design features that we discussed in class.

3) Support for the theory that behavior can and has evolved can be gathered by examining the behavior of closely related species. Support this statement with evidence from our class discussions. Be sure to explain how the evidence supports the statement.