Textbook Question
What do ultimate explanations of behavior focus on?
Ch. 50 - Behavioral Ecology
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Biology: The Study of Life13
- Ch. 2 - Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life14
- Ch.3 - Protein Structure and Function10
- Ch.4 - Nucleic Acids and the RNA World10
- Ch. 5 - An Introduction to Carbohydrates10
- Ch. 6 - Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells11
- Ch. 7 - Inside the Cell10
- Ch. 8 - Energy and Enzymes: An Introduction to Metabolism10
- Ch. 9 - Cellular Respiration and Fermentation11
- Ch. 10 - Photosynthesis12
- Ch. 11 - Cell-Cell Interactions12
- Ch. 12 - The Cell Cycle8
- Ch. 13 - Meiosis12
- Ch. 14 - Mendel and the Gene23
- Ch. 15 - DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair15
- Ch. 16 - How Genes Work16
- Ch. 17 - Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation16
- Ch. 18 - Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria16
- Ch. 19 - Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes12
- Ch. 20 - The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genomics, and New Frontiers15
- Ch. 21 - Genes, Development, and Evolution12
- Ch. 22 - Evolution by Natural Selection16
- Ch. 23 - Evolutionary Processes13
- Ch. 24 - Speciation15
- Ch. 25 - Phylogenies and the History of Life13
- Ch. 26 - Bacteria and Archaea15
- Ch. 27 - Diversification of Eukaryotes16
- Ch. 28 - Green Algae and Land Plants16
- Ch. 29 - Fungi18
- Ch. 30 - An Introduction to Animals9
- Ch. 31 - Protostome Animals15
- Ch. 32 - Deuterostome Animals17
- Ch. 33 - Viruses16
- Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function16
- Ch. 35 - Water and Sugar Transport in Plants16
- Ch. 36 - Plant Nutrition13
- Ch. 37 - Plant Sensory Systems, Signals, and Responses16
- Ch. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 39 - Animal Form and Function17
- Ch. 40 - Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals16
- Ch. 41 - Animal Nutrition16
- Ch. 42 - Gas Exchange and Circulation16
- Ch. 43 - Animal Nervous Systems16
- Ch. 44 - Animal Sensory Systems16
- Ch. 45 - Animal Movement11
- Ch. 46 - Chemical Signals in Animals16
- Ch. 47 - Animal Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 48 - The Immune System in Animals16
- Ch. 49 - An Introduction to Ecology15
- Ch. 50 - Behavioral Ecology16
- Ch. 51 - Population Ecology16
- Ch. 52 - Community Ecology20
- Ch. 53 - Ecosystems and Global Ecology17
- Ch. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology18
Chapter 50, Problem 1
What do proximate explanations of behavior focus on? a. how displays and other types of behavior have changed through time, or evolved b. the 'adaptive significance' of a behavior c. genetic, neurological, and hormonal mechanisms of behavior d. appropriate experimental methods when studying behavior
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of proximate explanations in biology: Proximate explanations focus on the immediate mechanisms that cause a behavior, such as genetic, neurological, hormonal, and physiological factors.
Differentiate between proximate and ultimate explanations: Proximate explanations address 'how' a behavior occurs, while ultimate explanations address 'why' a behavior has evolved or its adaptive significance.
Analyze the options provided in the question: Option (a) refers to evolutionary changes, which are part of ultimate explanations. Option (b) discusses adaptive significance, which is also an ultimate explanation. Option (c) mentions genetic, neurological, and hormonal mechanisms, which align with proximate explanations. Option (d) refers to experimental methods, which are tools rather than explanations.
Focus on the correct alignment: Since proximate explanations deal with mechanisms like genetics, neurology, and hormones, option (c) is the most relevant answer.
Conclude that proximate explanations of behavior focus on the immediate biological mechanisms underlying the behavior, as described in option (c).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Proximate vs. Ultimate Explanations
Proximate explanations of behavior focus on the immediate causes and mechanisms that underlie a behavior. This includes understanding the genetic, neurological, and hormonal factors that influence how an organism behaves at a specific moment. In contrast, ultimate explanations consider the evolutionary significance and adaptive value of behaviors over time.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:37
Proximal Tubule
Genetic Mechanisms
Genetic mechanisms refer to the ways in which genes influence behavior through inherited traits. These mechanisms can determine predispositions to certain behaviors, affecting how an organism interacts with its environment. Understanding these genetic influences is crucial for comprehending the proximate causes of behavior.
Recommended video:
02:00Genetic Drift Example 1
Neurological and Hormonal Influences
Neurological and hormonal influences encompass the brain's role and the effects of hormones on behavior. The nervous system processes stimuli and coordinates responses, while hormones can modulate behavior by affecting mood, energy levels, and stress responses. Together, these factors provide insight into the biological underpinnings of behavior.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:18Plant Hormones and Senescence