Virtual Lab:
Mealworm Behavior
Mealworms are the larvae (immature forms) of the darkling beetle, Tenebrio molitor. They are
widely sold in pet stores for use as food sources for reptiles, fish, and wild birds. Due to their
size, ease of rearing and handling, mealworms are also used widely in biological research.
They will respond to different types of stimuli in their environments, and are ideal for studying
animal behavior.
Objectives: By the end of the activity, you will…
predict, observe, and describe the responses of mealworms to various stimuli
distinguish between reflexive and instinctive behaviors
explain the importance of reflexive and instinctive behaviors
Go to: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/ and click on “Mealworm Behavior”.
Pre-lab questions Read the introduction on the left side of the page and answer the questions below.
1. What does it mean to say that a behavior is “innate”?
2.
Distinguish between reflexive behaviors and instinctive behaviors.
3. (Choose the best response) What is the simplest type of innate behavior?
a.
learned behaviors
b.
automatic responses to stimuli
c.
responses to stimuli that bypass the brain
d.
automatic responses that do not bypass the brain
e. b and c
f. b and d
4. Classify each stimulus below as visual, tactile, chemical, temperature, or auditory. More than one
classification may apply; if this is the case, write all of them.
a.
A metal pot falls to the ground, producing a loud sound.
b.
A mischievous friend touches an ice cube to your tailbone.
c.
Cooking bacon produces a familiar scent, and crackling sound.
d.
A traffic light turns yellow, signaling to apply your car brakes.
5. List one instinctive human behavior and one reflexive human behavior.
Instinctive:
Reflexive:
