Tag: Behavioral Ecology
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Behavioral Sink
John B. Calhoun’s concept of a behavioral sink illustrates how overcrowding and resource abundance lead to the breakdown of typical social and behavioral patterns in populations, marked by changes like increased aggression and social withdrawal. This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and population dynamics.
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Universe 25
The Universe 25 experiment, conducted by John B. Calhoun in 1972, examined behavioral changes in mice due to overpopulation within a resource-abundant environment. It traced the transition from rapid population growth to decline, underscoring the effects of high density on social structures.
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Müllerian Mimicry
In Müllerian mimicry, various harmful or unpalatable species come to resemble each other, amplifying mutual protection against predators. This adaptation arises from evolutionary pressures and has substantial impact on ecosystems and species interactions.
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r/K Selection Theory
The concept of r/K Selection Theory categorizes species based on their reproductive strategies, distinguishing between rapid reproduction with numerous offspring and slower reproduction with greater investment in fewer offspring. This framework contributes to the understanding of biodiversity and resource management.
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Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness
The Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA) refers to the historical conditions under which human traits evolved, typically related to the Pleistocene era. It provides a framework for understanding human behavior, cognition, and health from an evolutionary perspective.
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The Extended Phenotype by Richard Dawkins
“The Extended Phenotype” by Richard Dawkins expands the concept of phenotype to include a gene’s effects on its environment. The book explores gene-centric evolution, the relationship between genotype and phenotype, and the complexities of natural selection.