Animal Behavior Screencasts

Numerous examples of how nonhuman organisms conceal themselves with various forms of camouflage for the purposes of predation and hiding from prey.

Mimicry is an extraordinary evolutionary adaptation, typically involved in predator-prey relationships. Here, we examine both Batesian and Müllerian mimicry.

An examination of the difference between homologous traits (traits found in different species traceable to a common ancestor) and analogous traits (traits that appear to be similar but have no common descent).

An examination of the phylogenetic tree (which reconstructs evolutionary relationships based on homologous data) and the phylogenetic scale (which is a non-evolutionary ordering usually based on degree of presumed complexity).

An examination of the cognitive capabilities of a wide range of animal species, including dung beetles, assassin bugs, ants, archer fish, chimps, African Grey Parrots, New Caledonian Crows, and dogs, the latter including fMRI brain scans.

The ability to generalize is important in animal behavior. Here, we explore 6 dimensions of generalization: species, domestication, context, behaviors, rewards, & sensory modalities. Dangers of sloppy generalization are also discussed.

An examination of technological innovations, old and new, that enable scientists to study animal behavior, including the use of blinds, video & audio aids, fiber optics, micro cameras, and telemetry.

In order to identify actual causal mechanisms of behavior, one must manipulate variables and measure the effects of those manipulations, using proper experimental design. We'll explore how this has been done in both the field and laboratory, including the use of robotics.

When collecting a lot of data, especially in field research, one has to choose a sampling technique because it is not feasible to report all of the raw data points. There are 2 types of sampling: Subject Sampling and Event Sampling. Forms of each of these are discussed in this screencast.

Behaviors typically occur in sequences rather than in isolation. Here, we examine how to look at behavioral sequences using a transition matrix, calculating conditional probabilities, and constructing flow diagrams of the sequences.