Chapter 22 Lecture Enrichment Ideas
Discuss why behavior can be assumed to be adaptive and evolving, as exemplified by the behavior of black-crowned gulls in removing eggshells or by nest-building behavior of wood-hoopoes.
Discuss how imprinting behavior would be useful in both offspring and parents in species such as ducks and geese, where there are numerous offspring that are mobile upon hatching. Should we expect that kind of imprinting in a herd mammal (such as a wild horse or antelope) or a human?
Discuss why it would be advantageous to a female mouse to abort a pregnancy when her mate in the pregnancy is displaced by a new male.
Discuss the controversies inherent in sociobiology, the theory that human behavior can be explained based on physiology and evolution. Some scientists are reluctant to consider that antisocial behavior may be an inborn part of human nature. Asking for opinions will probably generate a lengthy discussion.
Discuss methods used in human society and interpersonal relations to reduce or overcome aggression. Students should think about how they behave with friends and with strangers, and what they would consider aggressive or submissive behavior.
Ask students to relate whom they have helped in the past: hungry relatives or strangers. Most human societies are set up so we give favor to near relatives. Why would this be genetically selected?
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