Page 1 of 1
ARHOLIADAU EXAMINATIONS
SEMESTER 1 EXAMINATIONS 2011
IBERS (BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES)
BS23520 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
TIME ALLOWED: THREE HOURS
ANSWER THREE QUESTIONS
1. Explain, using at least two specific examples, how behavioural adaptations are reflected
in the neural anatomy of the individual.
2. Field mice maintain small, exclusive-use territories within meadows. Females defend
small feeding areas from other females. Males defend larger territories that typically
contain several female territories, from which they exclude all other males. Both sexes
are at high risk from predators such as owls and weasels. Given what you know about
the various means that animals can communicate, how and when do you think male
mice signal each other with regard to both females and other males? Hypothesise on
both communication channel used and the structure of the signal (duration, locatability
etc).
3. Support or refute, using at least two lines of evidence, the hypothesis that biological
clocks are endogenous.
4. Describe three different forms of learning, using appropriate examples, and discuss the
differences and similarities between them.
5. Describe at least two ways in which behaviour can be innate, needing no learning to be
developed. Discuss using suitable examples.
6. Discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of living in social groups. Include
relevant examples to illustrate your point.