Chapter 53, Problem 1TYK

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

All organisms behave and respond in different ways to various stimuli. This depicts their adaptive level and the success of their evolution. The behavior or cause of any organisms or an event can be explained in two ways on the basis of the mechanism (proximate) and on the basis of evolution (ultimate).

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

The proximate explanations of behavior focus on genetic, neurological, and hormonal mechanisms of behavior.

Explanation of Solution

Justification/Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the proximate theory relies on the genetic, neurological, and hormonal factors for the explanation of any behavior. This theory depends on the mechanisms that take place inside the body of the organism under study. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that displays and other types of behavior change or evolve over time. The ultimate theory depends on the evolutionary process for explaining the behavior and displays of an organism. The behavioral patterns are justified on the basis of the evolution of the organism of interest with time. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is given that proximate theory relies on the “adaptive significance” of a behavior. Any behavior can be explained on the basis of natural selection and adaptation, but does not involve any physiological mechanisms of the body. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given that proximate theory relies on appropriate experimental methods when studying the behavior of an organism. Experiments are also performed for studying the behavior of an organism. This is a one-time explanation for the current behavior of the organism of interest. This does not state whether such characteristics were possessed by the ancestors of the organism of interest or not. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The proximate explanations of the behavior of the organisms depend on the genetic, neurological, and hormonal levels. This theory focuses on the internal body mechanisms of the organisms to explain the kind of behavior they show.