Animal Behaviors Basic
What is the study of animal behavior called?
Ethology
What is an instinctive behavior an animal is born with?
Innate behavior
What is the behavior designed to attract a mate?
Courtship behavior
Why should you not walk directly behind cattle or horses?
It’s their blind spot; may trigger defensive behavior
True or False: Migratory behavior is only found in birds.
False
What are the two main categories of animal behavior?
Innate and learned behaviors
What is a behavior adapted from experience or new stimuli?
Learned behavior
What behavior is displayed when an animal feels threatened?
Defensive behavior
What is the term for an animal being in heat?
Estrus
True or False: Walking behind an animal can elicit a defensive behavior.
True
What is the term for an animal’s chemical excretions that affect behavior of others in the species?
Pheromones
A herd of cows entering a milking parlor in the same order each day is an example of what?
Learned behavior
What are the two main types of foraging?
Sit-and-wait and active searching
What term describes systems of social rankings among animals?
Hierarchies or Pecking Order
Why is understanding defensive behavior important for livestock producers?
Prevent injury and reduce stress in animals
What is an example of a migratory behavior?
Geese flying south for winter
What are two examples of innate behaviors?
Eating, sleeping, courtship, or social interactions
What is an organized, seasonal movement to a new location called?
Migratory behavior
What is a “fight-or-flight” reaction?
Instinctive defense response to danger
Compare active searching and sit-and-wait foraging in terms of energy use.
Active searching uses more energy; sit-and-wait conserves energy
What is the ability to see everywhere except directly behind called?
Panoramic vision
Explain how a learned defensive behavior could develop in livestock.
Negative experience causes the animal to react defensively in the future
What type of behavior involves rearing, protecting, and educating offspring?
Parental behavior
Who is Dr. Temple Grandin and what is she known for?
Animal behaviorist; researched flight zones and humane handling
Why might male animals go to extreme measures in courtship behaviors?
To attract females and ensure reproductive success