Fixed action pattern: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:27, 5 May 2007

Revision as of 02:34, 5 May 2007

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A [[mating dance]] may be used as an example. Many species of [[birds]] engage in a specific series of elaborate movements, usually by a brightly colored [[male]]. How well they perform the "dance" is then used by [[females]] of the species to judge their fitness as a potential [[mate]]. The key [[stimulus (physiology)|stimulus]] is typically the presence of the female.

Another example of a FAP is the [[red-bellied [[stickleback]] (fish). The male turns a bright red/blue colour during the [[breeding season]]. This colour change is the fixed action pattern in response to an increasing day length which is the sign stimulus. During this time they are also naturally aggressive towards other red-bellied sticklebacks, another FAP. However anything that is [[red]] will bring about this FAP. The proximate response to this is that due to the stimuli, a nerve sends a signal to attack that red item. The ultimate cause of this behavior stems from the fact that the stickleback needs the area in which it is living for either habitat, food, mating with other sticklebacks, or other purposes. This interaction was studied by [[Niko Tinbergen]].

Yet another ecological example is where a [[water fowl]]s, such as a goose, will move an [[egg]] near its nest back into its nest if when it has rolled away somehow. The sight of the displaced egg triggers a this mechanism. However, it will also attempt to move other egg shaped objects, such as a golf ball, door knob, or even a volleyball back to the nest.