Animal Behavior — Mechanisms, Communication, Learning, and Evolutionary Basis Explained | Chapter 51 of Campbell Biology
Animal Behavior — Mechanisms, Communication, Learning, and Evolutionary Basis Explained | Chapter 51 of Campbell Biology Why do animals behave the way they do? What controls their actions, and how do behaviors evolve? Chapter 51 of Campbell Biology explores the fascinating science of animal behavior, connecting the neural and genetic mechanisms behind actions to the evolutionary pressures that shape them. From instinctive responses to learned skills and complex social interactions, this chapter unpacks how animals adapt, communicate, and survive. Watch the full podcast summary below for a comprehensive breakdown, and read on for expanded explanations, historical context, and essential terms. Introduction: The Study of Animal Behavior Animal behavior (ethology) examines how and why animals act in certain ways. Two central questions guide behavioral research: Proximate causation: What mechanisms trigger a behavior? (the "how") Ultimate causation: What is...