Download Animal Behavior Observations- (10 pts. Extra credit)

Animal Behavior Observations- (10 pts. Extra credit)
Introduction:
After reading the chapter in your textbook about animal behaviors, you should be able to recognize
certain behaviors of organisms interacting in their natural environment. This assignment requires you
to watch the movie Never Cry Wolf, about a wildlife biologist studying the behaviors of a pack of
wolves in Canada. While watching the film, pay particular attention to how wolves use social status,
mating behaviors and other forms of non-verbal communication.
Objectives:
a) to observe specific behaviors of wolves in their natural environment.
b) to identify the purpose of certain behaviors for a social animal group.
Procedure:
1. Watch the movie Never Cry Wolf.
2. Using lined paper, write down each example of animal communication behavior that you
observe in the film. Beside each noted behavior, write your interpretation of the purpose of the
behavior.
Reflection Questions:
Answer the following questions, using some or all of these terms in your responses: imprinting,
genetic factors, environmental factors, innate behaviors, learned behaviors, fixed action patterns, sign
stimulus, habituation, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, practice play, problem solving,
ritual behavior, agnostic behavior, reconciliation behavior, courtship, pheromones and altruism.
1. What are the professional objectives of the Canadian biologist in this movie?
2. What conclusions does he draw after conducting his research?
3. Citing specific example behaviors from the movie, describe how the social hierarchy within a pack
is established and maintained.
4. Citing specific example behaviors from the movie, describe how the pack establishes and
maintains its territory.
5. Citing specific example behaviors from the movie, describe how animals are included or excluded
from the pack.
6. Citing specific example behaviors from the movie, describe how young animals learn appropriate
social behaviors from the pack.
7. Citing specific example behaviors from the movie, describe how pack animals use behaviors to
organize, conduct and share a hunting experience.