Case 8 Behaviour
1.0 Introduction
o Influence on welfare of domesticated animals by humans: process of domestication and
creating the environment.
o Adaptation of animals in the wild is outcome of selection process and experience gained
during the life of an individual.
o Internal mechanisms that are essential for proper functioning:
Senses to probe its internal and external environment
Physiological and behavioural activities that influence its own environment in a
specific manner
Neuroendocrine system: combines senses and motor coordination
o The 4 why’s of Tinbergen:
How do physiological mechanisms regulate behaviour
How do behaviours develop in individuals
What is the adaptive value of behaviour
How has it arisen and adapted through evolution (across species)
o If animals are unable to engage in their natural behaviour stereotypical behaviour as an
expression of chronic stress and frustration of behavioural needs
o Proximate question = seek an answer to matters that determine behaviour at this moment;
internal and external mechanisms that underlie behaviour. Questions on development
(ontogeny) and regulating mechanisms (causality) are proximate
o Ultimate question = considers long-term consequences. Questions on the function (survival
rate) of behaviour; consequences of adaptation to the natural environment, survival and
reproduction are ultimate (also question into the evolution (phylogenetic history))
1.0 What is behaviour?
o Behaviour = everything that an animal does, all externally observable muscle and gland
activity
o Behaviour is an important part of research into evolution, because of its direct influence on
animal’s fitness
o Behaviour is key to research into animals welfare, because behaviour is important indicator
of internal (central nervous) processes in an animal
2.0 Characterising behaviour (ethogram)
o Behavioural elements = fairly fixed behaviours, postures, movements or noises, often consist
of smaller elements.
o Behavioural repertoire (ethogram) = all behavioural elements of an animal together.
o Transitions from one behavioural element to the next one are often not clearly delineated.
3.0 Techniques in observing behaviour
o Observations can be direct (with the naked eye) or indirect (photo or video)
1.0 Introduction
o Influence on welfare of domesticated animals by humans: process of domestication and
creating the environment.
o Adaptation of animals in the wild is outcome of selection process and experience gained
during the life of an individual.
o Internal mechanisms that are essential for proper functioning:
Senses to probe its internal and external environment
Physiological and behavioural activities that influence its own environment in a
specific manner
Neuroendocrine system: combines senses and motor coordination
o The 4 why’s of Tinbergen:
How do physiological mechanisms regulate behaviour
How do behaviours develop in individuals
What is the adaptive value of behaviour
How has it arisen and adapted through evolution (across species)
o If animals are unable to engage in their natural behaviour stereotypical behaviour as an
expression of chronic stress and frustration of behavioural needs
o Proximate question = seek an answer to matters that determine behaviour at this moment;
internal and external mechanisms that underlie behaviour. Questions on development
(ontogeny) and regulating mechanisms (causality) are proximate
o Ultimate question = considers long-term consequences. Questions on the function (survival
rate) of behaviour; consequences of adaptation to the natural environment, survival and
reproduction are ultimate (also question into the evolution (phylogenetic history))
1.0 What is behaviour?
o Behaviour = everything that an animal does, all externally observable muscle and gland
activity
o Behaviour is an important part of research into evolution, because of its direct influence on
animal’s fitness
o Behaviour is key to research into animals welfare, because behaviour is important indicator
of internal (central nervous) processes in an animal
2.0 Characterising behaviour (ethogram)
o Behavioural elements = fairly fixed behaviours, postures, movements or noises, often consist
of smaller elements.
o Behavioural repertoire (ethogram) = all behavioural elements of an animal together.
o Transitions from one behavioural element to the next one are often not clearly delineated.
3.0 Techniques in observing behaviour
o Observations can be direct (with the naked eye) or indirect (photo or video)
