Question 1

When the FOXP2 gene is knocked out in young zebra finches, their ability to____________is severely impaired.

Accepted Answer

A)  forage 
B)  learn complex songs 
C)  sing 
D)  fly 
E)  copy adult songs 
A)  forage 
B)  learn complex songs 
C)  sing 
D)  fly 
E)  copy adult songs E

Question 2

Read the article by Heiming and colleagues (2013), "To Attack, or Not to Attack? The Role of Serotonin Transporter Genotype in the Display of Maternal Aggression" (Behavioural Brain Research, vol. 242, pp. 135-141). Which molecular genetic technique did these authors use to examine the relationship between the serotonin transporter and maternal aggression in lactating female mice? What is the function of the serotonin transporter? Why do you think that both homozygous and heterozygous 5HTT-knockout mice showed less offensive aggression than wild-type controls? Based on your readings from Chapter 3 of Principles of Animal Behavior, develop at least two hypotheses regarding how reduced serotonin transporter activity might mediate offensive maternal aggression.

Accepted Answer

Heiming and colleagues (2013) used a molecular genetic technique called knockout mice to examine the relationship between the serotonin transporter and maternal aggression in lactating female mice. Knockout mice are genetically modified mice in which a specific gene, in this case the serotonin transporter gene, is either partially or completely inactivated. In this study, the researchers specifically looked at 5HTT-knockout mice, which are mice with altered serotonin transporter function.

The function of the serotonin transporter is to reuptake serotonin, a neurotransmitter, from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. This process regulates the levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn affects mood, behavior, and various physiological functions.

Both homozygous and heterozygous 5HTT-knockout mice showed less offensive aggression than wild-type controls, suggesting that reduced serotonin transporter activity is associated with decreased maternal aggression. This finding is consistent with previous research indicating that serotonin plays a role in the regulation of aggressive behavior.

Two hypotheses regarding how reduced serotonin transporter activity might mediate offensive maternal aggression are:

1. Hypothesis 1: Reduced serotonin transporter activity leads to lower levels of serotonin reuptake, resulting in higher levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased serotonin signaling may lead to a decrease in aggressive behavior, as serotonin is known to have inhibitory effects on aggression.

2. Hypothesis 2: Reduced serotonin transporter activity may lead to altered serotonin levels in brain regions associated with aggression, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These altered serotonin levels may disrupt the normal regulation of aggressive behavior, leading to decreased offensive aggression in lactating female mice.

These hypotheses are based on the understanding that serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of aggression, and that alterations in serotonin transporter function can impact serotonin signaling in the brain.

Question 3

Read the article by Brodie III (1992), "Correlational Selection for Color Pattern and Antipredator Behavior in the Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides" (Evolution, vol. 46, pp. 1284-1298). First, define correlational selection and take some time to investigate the genetic factors that might underlie this process; for example, explore the meaning of the terms pleiotropy and linkage disequilibrium. Second, how did the author investigate the hypothesis that color and antipredator behavior might be subject to correlational selection? Describe what the author discovered and how correlational selection might drive significant variation in both color and behavior in garter snake populations.

Accepted Answer

Correlational selection refers to the process by which two or more traits are selected for simultaneously, due to their correlation or association with each other. In other words, the fitness of an organism is influenced by the combination of traits it possesses, rather than each trait being selected for independently. This can result in the maintenance of genetic variation in a population, as the traits are linked in their evolutionary response to selection.

Genetic factors that might underlie correlational selection include pleiotropy and linkage disequilibrium. Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene affects multiple traits, leading to a correlation between those traits. This can result in the traits being selected for in concert, due to the shared genetic basis. Linkage disequilibrium, on the other hand, refers to the non-random association of alleles at different loci, which can result in the co-inheritance of certain combinations of alleles. This can lead to the maintenance of certain trait combinations in a population, if they provide a fitness advantage.

In the study by Brodie III (1992), the author investigated the hypothesis that color and antipredator behavior in garter snakes might be subject to correlational selection. The author conducted field studies on garter snake populations, measuring both their color patterns and their antipredator behavior. By comparing different populations and analyzing the relationship between color and behavior, the author discovered that there was indeed significant variation in both traits, and that this variation was correlated across populations.

Brodie III proposed that correlational selection might be driving this variation, as certain color patterns might be associated with specific antipredator behaviors that provide a fitness advantage in different environments. For example, snakes with certain color patterns might be better camouflaged in certain habitats, allowing them to exhibit different antipredator behaviors. This would result in the maintenance of both color and behavior variation in the population, as the traits are linked in their response to selection pressures.

Overall, the study provided evidence for the role of correlational selection in driving the evolution of both color and antipredator behavior in garter snake populations, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental pressures in shaping the traits of organisms.

Question 4

Which two "family" factors interact to determine the amount of parental care that female prairie voles give to their young?

Accepted Answer

A)  temperature and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
B)  the amount of parental care received during development and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
C)  temperature and the amount of parental care received during development 
D)  the level of aggression between young voles and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
E)  temperature and the level of aggression between young voles 
A)  temperature and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
B)  the amount of parental care received during development and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
C)  temperature and the amount of parental care received during development 
D)  the level of aggression between young voles and whether the individual was raised by a single parent vs. both parents 
E)  temperature and the level of aggression between young voles

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT part of the procedure for QTL mapping?

Accepted Answer

A)  selection of parental strains that differ considerably in their behavior 
B)  selection of parental strains that differ at a set of marker alleles 
C)  selection of parental strains that are heterozygous at the marker gene loci 
D)  crossing the two parental strains to generate the F1 generation 
E)  Mate F1 individuals to produce F2 and then examine both the behavior and the marker loci genotypes of these F2 individuals 
A)  selection of parental strains that differ considerably in their behavior 
B)  selection of parental strains that differ at a set of marker alleles 
C)  selection of parental strains that are heterozygous at the marker gene loci 
D)  crossing the two parental strains to generate the F1 generation 
E)  Mate F1 individuals to produce F2 and then examine both the behavior and the marker loci genotypes of these F2 individuals

Question 6

Which of the following occurs as a result of parasitoid wasps being raised at cold temperatures during development?

Accepted Answer

A)  a change in the number of eggs that females lay inside of the host 
B)  a change in the ability of females to discriminate parasitized from unparasitized hosts 
C)  a change in the morphology of the ovipositor 
D)  a and b 
E)  a and c 
A)  a change in the number of eggs that females lay inside of the host 
B)  a change in the ability of females to discriminate parasitized from unparasitized hosts 
C)  a change in the morphology of the ovipositor 
D)  a and b 
E)  a and c

Question 7

Sets of genes that contribute to the expression of a behavioral trait are called:

Accepted Answer

A)  mapped genes. 
B)  quantitative trait loci. 
C)  recombinant loci. 
D)  transposable elements. 
E)  monogenic alleles. 
A)  mapped genes. 
B)  quantitative trait loci. 
C)  recombinant loci. 
D)  transposable elements. 
E)  monogenic alleles.

Question 8

When only a single copy of the allele is necessary for a trait to be expressed, the allele is said to be:

Accepted Answer

A)  recessive 
B)  polygenic 
C)  co-dominant 
D)  dominant 
E)  hyperdominant 
A)  recessive 
B)  polygenic 
C)  co-dominant 
D)  dominant 
E)  hyperdominant

Question 9

Voles possessing the long version allele of avpr1a are:

Accepted Answer

A)  more likely to exhibit parental care and more likely to be affiliative. 
B)  less likely to exhibit parent care and less likely to be affiliative. 
C)  less likely to exhibit parental care and more likely to be affiliative. 
D)  more likely to exhibit parental care but less likely to be affiliative. 
E)  none of the above. 
A)  more likely to exhibit parental care and more likely to be affiliative. 
B)  less likely to exhibit parent care and less likely to be affiliative. 
C)  less likely to exhibit parental care and more likely to be affiliative. 
D)  more likely to exhibit parental care but less likely to be affiliative. 
E)  none of the above.

Question 10

How might maternal hormonal status influence the behavioral development of offspring in egg-laying animals (e.g., amphibians, fish, birds)? For example, let's say that the mother is stressed or subjected to increased competition while producing the eggs. If this causes the mother to exhibit elevated cortisol or testosterone levels, how might this influence the behavioral traits of her offspring? For some clues, see Sloman (2010) and Burton et al. (2011). Do you think mothers might be able to alter hormone allocation to the eggs depending on prevailing environmental condition, and that this allocation might impact offspring fitness?

Accepted Answer

Maternal hormonal status can significant

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding Toma and colleagues's work on the per gene and foraging in honeybees is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Per gene mRNA expression was greatest in young bees that remained at the nest. 
B)  The per gene was used as a candidate gene involved in the control of developmental changes to foraging behavior. 
C)  Per gene mRNA expression was quantified in their study. 
D)  Young, precocious foragers had similar per mRNA levels as typical, older foragers. 
E)  Studies were conducted in both laboratory and natural populations of honeybees. 
A)  Per gene mRNA expression was greatest in young bees that remained at the nest. 
B)  The per gene was used as a candidate gene involved in the control of developmental changes to foraging behavior. 
C)  Per gene mRNA expression was quantified in their study. 
D)  Young, precocious foragers had similar per mRNA levels as typical, older foragers. 
E)  Studies were conducted in both laboratory and natural populations of honeybees.

Question 12

One proximate factor related to ultraviolet vision in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) involves:

Accepted Answer

A)  changes in the curvature of the lens, which helps to filter out certain wavelengths of light. 
B)  a single amino acid change that alters pigment characteristics. 
C)  alterations to retinal structure that inhibit processing of violet pigments. 
D)  hormones that trigger the release of ultraviolet pigments from specific brain regions. 
E)  a vast number of genetic substitutions, the effects of which have yet to be quantified. 
A)  changes in the curvature of the lens, which helps to filter out certain wavelengths of light. 
B)  a single amino acid change that alters pigment characteristics. 
C)  alterations to retinal structure that inhibit processing of violet pigments. 
D)  hormones that trigger the release of ultraviolet pigments from specific brain regions. 
E)  a vast number of genetic substitutions, the effects of which have yet to be quantified.

Question 13

When young cichlids are raised with adults or adults and helpers, they tend to:

Accepted Answer

A)  display less cost-effective territorial defense behaviors. 
B)  avoid establishing territories altogether. 
C)  display more cost-effective territorial defense behaviors. 
D)  exhibit extreme forms of aggression. 
E)  mate earlier. 
A)  display less cost-effective territorial defense behaviors. 
B)  avoid establishing territories altogether. 
C)  display more cost-effective territorial defense behaviors. 
D)  exhibit extreme forms of aggression. 
E)  mate earlier.

Question 14

Read the article by Renn and colleagues (2008), "Fish and Chips: Functional Genomics of Social Plasticity in an African Cichlid Fish" (Journal of Experimental Biology, vol. 211, pp. 3041-3056) and the article by Aubin-Horth and colleagues (2012), "Natural Variation in the Molecular Stress Network Correlates with a Behavioural Syndrome" (Hormones and Behavior, vol. 61, pp. 140-146). Compare and contrast the molecular genetic approaches used by these two teams of researchers to reveal the genetic correlates of social plasticity and an aggression-boldness behavioral syndrome, respectively. In what ways do these studies shed light on the complexities underlying behavioral traits?

Accepted Answer

The study by Renn and colleagues (2008)

Question 15

Read the article by Edwards and Mackay (2009), "Quantitative Trait Loci for Aggressive Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster" (Genetics, vol. 182, pp. 889-897). How did the authors evaluate aggression in these flies? Can you think of any alternative methods for quantifying aggression in a more standardized fashion? Next, describe the authors' approach to identifying QTLs associated with aggressive behavior. They found that many of the QTLs interact epistatically. What is epistasis and how do epistatic interactions introduce significant challenges to understanding the genetic basis of complex behaviors like aggression? (See also Zwarts et al. 2011 and Anholt & Mackay 2012.)

Accepted Answer

In the article by Edwards and Mackay (20

When the FOXP2 gene is knocked out in young zebra finches, their ability to____________is severely impaired.

Which two "family" factors interact to determine the amount of parental care that female prairie voles give to their young?

Which of the following is NOT part of the procedure for QTL mapping?

Which of the following occurs as a result of parasitoid wasps being raised at cold temperatures during development?

Sets of genes that contribute to the expression of a behavioral trait are called:

When only a single copy of the allele is necessary for a trait to be expressed, the allele is said to be:

Voles possessing the long version allele of avpr1a are:

Which of the following statements regarding Toma and colleagues's work on the per gene and foraging in honeybees is FALSE?

One proximate factor related to ultraviolet vision in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) involves:

When young cichlids are raised with adults or adults and helpers, they tend to:

Principles of Animal Behavior

The Evolution of Behavior

Hormones and Neurobiology

Learning

Cultural Transmission

Sexual Selection

Mating Systems

Kinship

Cooperation

Foraging

Antipredator Behavior

Communication

Habitat Selection, Territoriality, and Migration

Aggression

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Animal Personalities

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Exam 4: Molecular Gene Tics and Development

When the FOXP2 gene is knocked out in young zebra finches, their ability to____________is severely impaired.

Which two "family" factors interact to determine the amount of parental care that female prairie voles give to their young?

Which of the following is NOT part of the procedure for QTL mapping?

Which of the following occurs as a result of parasitoid wasps being raised at cold temperatures during development?

Sets of genes that contribute to the expression of a behavioral trait are called:

When only a single copy of the allele is necessary for a trait to be expressed, the allele is said to be:

Voles possessing the long version allele of avpr1a are:

Which of the following statements regarding Toma and colleagues's work on the per gene and foraging in honeybees is FALSE?

One proximate factor related to ultraviolet vision in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) involves:

When young cichlids are raised with adults or adults and helpers, they tend to:

Principles of Animal Behavior

The Evolution of Behavior

Hormones and Neurobiology

Learning

Cultural Transmission

Sexual Selection

Mating Systems

Kinship

Cooperation

Foraging

Antipredator Behavior

Communication

Habitat Selection, Territoriality, and Migration

Aggression

Play

Animal Personalities

Filters