Animal Behavior, BI 376

Fall, 2000

Final Exam

 

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 (We 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,

 

 

Short Answer. Choose 3/4 questions to address(@10 pts)

1) List and describe some of the factors that may limit an animal's selection of habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Compare and contrast the dispersal patterns of birds versus mammals from their place of birth. What might be responsible for this pattern?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Provide evidence form our discussions that heredity (genes) affect an animal's habitat choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) Compare and contrast the hunting strategies of lions versus wild dogs of Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. ANSWER 5 out of 6 (@15 pts).

1) We talked early on in the semester about important aspects to consider when it comes to designing experiments (Chapter 3 – Approaches and Methods) in animal behavior. What important design principles did you use to carry out your long-term experiment? What would you change if you had a chance to do your experiment over again? Hint – think hard about your Materials and Methods section in order to answer this.

2) Discuss at least 4 specific studies that show that behavior is affected/controlled by genes. Be sure to develop each "story" adequately – do not just list examples.

3) There are several lines of evidence that suggests that behavior evolves. Cite at least three specific examples that supports this contention.

4) Discuss the physiological mechanisms that allows a neuron: a) to carry information along an axon; b) to communicate with other neurons and to c) act as a decision maker/computer.

5) Discuss how the presence or absence of hormones affects the development of behavior.

6) Discuss the mechanisms that a bird may use to navigate along its migratory pathways. Cite at least three experiments that have been performed that demonstrate the importance of the mechanisms discussed.