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Chapter 47, "Behavior," began by introducing you to the genetic basis of behavior and then progressed to the evolution of specific behaviors to encompass the many areas of research in this fascinating field. The following Websites will review some of what you learned in Chapter 47, will also provide additional examples, and will present the complexity of both the study and interpretation of behavioral research.
47.1 The Role of Genes
Behavioral Genetics
This article from Science magazine discusses the applicability and usefulness of research on the genetics of behavior. By studying the molecular basis of behavior, scientists hope to understand how behavior evolves, is inherited, and contributes to the evolution and adaptation of species.
Keywords: behavior, genetics, research
Behavior and the Judicial System
This provocative article addresses the ethical and sociological ramifications of scientific advances in behavioral genetics. It shows how the way in which we describe scientific advancements can sometimes be misconstrued when knowledge is immediately applied to technological possibilities.
Keywords: behavioral genetics, scientific interpretation, research
Human Behavior
This site links you to an article published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, and written by Sherman et al. in 1997 on human behavioral genetics. The article, though several years old, reviews the impact of genetic studies of behavior and suggests ways in which scientists and doctors alike might use the information gleaned from such studies.
Keywords: research, bioethics, human behavioral genetics
47.2 How Animals Act: Neural and Hormonal Control
Seasonal
Neuroplasticity
This Nature article discusses the ways in which hormonal development
affects bird songs. The research cited focused on the hormone melatonin, which
exhibits a seasonal pattern of secretion.
Keywords: neuroplasticity, hormonal control, behavior
47.3 The Adaptive Consequences of Behavior
Flexible Behavior in Black Rat Snakes
This short article from the Northern Wildlife Research Center reviews a research project on the behavior of free-ranging black rat snakes. The concept of flexible behavior is explained using a real, wildlife example.
Keywords: flexible behavior, adaptation, black rat snakes
The Egotist and the Altruist
Computer models are often used to simulate the ways in which complex systems change, including systems of behavior. This article from Nature reviews an attempt by Jacob Koella, using computerized models, to understand behavior and its effect on evolution.
Keywords: altruism, behavior, evolution
Sexual Selection and Adaptation
This article discusses altruistic behavior and kin selection in human beings. The article focuses on the concept of kin selection, which attempts to explain how altruistic behavior may have evolved.
Keywords: sexual selection, adaptive behavior
47.4 The Evolution of Behavior
Evolution of Cooperative Behavior
This site, sponsored by the University of Toronto, includes a tutorial that helps explain the evolution of cooperative behavior in animals. Follow the "evolution" link to see how the tutorial game relates to evolutionary processes.
Keywords: evolution, cooperative behavior
Human Behavior and Evolution Society
The site for the Human Behavior and Evolution Society is a vast resource for learning more about new research and theories in the field of behavioral evolution. Select "Intro to the Field" and then follow the links that interest you.
Keywords: research, human behavior and evolution
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