Unit: Animal Behaviour (Advanced Higher)

CONTENT	NOTES	LEARNING ACTIVITIES
2 Evolution of behaviour
i Natural selection of behaviour patterns.	Behaviour patterns show variation and are inherited ie determined by genes. Some behaviours have greater reproductive success resulting in favourable adaptations accumulating in populations. As illustrated by extended phenotype in nest building in birds, by shoaling in fish and herding in mammals.	Carry out an investigation to compare maze running or corner seeking behaviour in small mammals.
ii Single gene effect on behaviour.	As illustrated by Drosophila period (per) gene. This gene controls a 24 hour cycle of activity and inactivity. Different forms of the gene alter production of protein which alters the period of hours taken to complete the daily cycle.	Study genetic data on 'hygienic' behaviour in bees.
iii Behavioural adaptation to human influence.	Human activity results in rapid environmental change. Some species are intrinsically adaptable and can change diet, foraging behaviour and habitat preference. As illustrated by foxes and herring gulls.	View and discuss video on animal adaptations to city life.

CONTENT	NOTES	LEARNING ACTIVITIES
2 Sexual behaviour
i Male and female investment.	Comparison of sperm and egg production in relation to number and energy store. External and internal fertilisation, parental investment. Cost of parental investment; compared to increased probability of production and survival of young. Greater investment by females; sexual dimorphism as product of sexual selection. Generally females inconspicuous.
ii Courtship and display.	Male-male rivalry: increased access to female through fighting. Female choice: males have more conspicuous markings, structures, and behaviours to attract females.	Carry out an investigation into courtship and mate choice in Drosophila. Observe and discuss film on courtship in birds.
iii Avoidance of inbreeding.	High levels of homozygosity in inbred populations. Heterozygosity in outbred populations. Inbreeding increases expression of disadvantageous or lethal recessive genes resulting in lower fitness and reduced breeding success. Benefits of polygamy and male dispersal in social mammals. Monogamy, male territoriality and female dispersal in birds.	Observe and discuss film on social mammals.

CONTENT	NOTES	LEARNING ACTIVITIES
3 Social behaviour
i Agonistic and appeasement behaviour.	Ritualised display and appeasement as a means of reducing risk of injury and energy expenditure.	Observe film on breeding behaviour in red deer.
ii Selfish and altruistic behaviour.
The concept of the ‘selfish’ gene.	‘Selfish’ gene combinations are self-preserving; assist survival and pass on more copies to next generation resulting in increased frequency. Genes survive through natural selection.	Observe and discuss film on selfish and altruistic behaviour in social insects and mammals, including humans.
Kin selection.	Natural selection that favours behaviour which helps relatives. Close relatives share larger proportion of genes. Coefficient of relatedness and Hamilton’s rule.
Altruism.	Altruism has costs since it improves survival chance of others while decreasing own chances. Benefits of mutual self-interest outweigh costs. Reciprocal altruism involves providing help to another and being repaid later. Co-operators leave more offspring.