E1: Behavioral Ecology
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What is behavioral ecology?
The way behavior contributes to survival and reproduction depends on ecology
What are the three strategies for optimal migration?
• time minimization • energy minimizatoin • cost of transport minimization
Describe time minimization for optimal migration.
• Early arrivarls increase fitness • High energy cost • High adult and nest predation risks
Describe energy minimization with optimal migration.
Favored when use of energy is high, especially if food and resources are uncommon along the way.
Describe cost of transport minimization in optimal migration.
Focused on the entire annual energy cycle.
What are the 2 variables that can be used to model the three strategies.
• fuel deposition rate (fraction of body mass accumulated per day) • departure load (fat and protein, fraction of body mass)
Give an example for a species migrating and what model fits best.
Reed Warblers cross the Sahara Desert, time minimization model fits best
What is the benefit of a smaller pride of lions?
More food intake
What is the benefit of a larger pride of lions?
Greater territorial deferse against male takeovers
What is infanticide?
New male lions will kill all non-weaned young in pride (8 months and younger)
What do female lions do if they are pregnant during a male takeover?
They go through pseudoestrus to appear and smell receptive but actually birth the old male’s cubs.