A couple biology question I don't get.

[blackhole123]

I'm working on my summer assignment for AP bio and I couldn't get a couple questions.

 

Indicate the type of learning illustrated by the following example:

 

Ewes will adopt and nurse a lamb shortly after they give birth, but will butt and reject it if the lamb is introduced a day or two later.

 

The only types of learning I know are classical conditioning, operant conditioning, spatial learning and habituation and none of them fit.

 

How is a female birds fitness associated with her ability to choose a mate by deciding among displays and adornments that "advertise" the health of the male?

 

How does the females fitness have ANYTHING to do with choosing a mate? Unless they don't mean physical fitness? I'm confused on this one.

 

thanks.

[NeonBlack]

Your first questions sounds more like psychology to me, but I don't know much about that.

 

I think "fitness" in biology is used to mean reproductive success.

 

p.s. You should consider forgetting about the lolcats if you want people to take you seriously.

[blackhole123]

lolcats? What?

[insane_alien]

your signature

 

it is reminiscent of lolcats

[iNow]

The first question could have something to do with oxytocin levels, the way those drop quickly after birth, and the impact those levels have on feelings of connection with the offspring. Not sure... just a guess.

 

I agree with NeonBlack on the second, regarding "fitness" relating to reproductive success. Females mate with the male having the best display, hence they're more likely to have offspring with a great display... Or, their "sons" will be better at attracting mates, too.

 

On top of that, if the male has enough "extra energy and resources" to waste on special adornments (like really bright peacock feathers or exquisitely elaborate dance), then they likely have enough "energy and resources" to have excellent health. If they were unhealthy, then almost all of their energy would be devoted to immune system response and healing... If you're sick, your energy goes to recovery. If you're healthy, that same energy can be used to be flashy and showey.

[CharonY]

How does the females fitness have ANYTHING to do with choosing a mate? Unless they don't mean physical fitness? I'm confused on this one.

 

What is meant is her ability to produce viable offspring that, in turn are able to produce offspring. If they chose a mate whose phenotype will in turn increase the chance of offspring survival and reproduction then the chances that her alleles will propagate increases. Mind you, this does not necessarily mean that the male has to be healthy or strong per se. Only that his traits, if inherited to the offspring will increase their ability to propagate. A male peacock with less elaborate feather will probably be more likely to survive, but due to sexual selection (females prefer those with more elaborate feathers) it will reduces its chance to propagate. In other words survival and fitness do not necessary mean the same thing and in fact they may be contrary to each other sometimes.

[Willa]

The first question sounds like an example of imprinting, even though it's taking place on the mother's part (rather than the offspring's, as usual).

[zule]

As iNow has indicated, during the birth there is a great increase of oxytocin in the mother’s blood. The oxytocin prompts the desire of protection, so the mother accept an offspring although it isn’t its. When levels of oxytocin have decreased, the mother has probably habituated to its new offspring.