key concept 52.4 Selective Pressures Shape Behavior

Most of the behaviors we have discussed so far involve interactions between individuals. The individual also interacts with its environment, and many behaviors have evolved as adaptations to the environment. Environmental conditions can be highly variable over time and space. Behavioral ecologists strive to discover the relationships between behavior and environment, with the intent of understanding the selective pressures shaping the evolution of specific behaviors. Here we offer just a few examples.

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  • The evolution of behavioral responses to the environment is driven by costs and benefits.

  • Different types of territoriality have different costs and benefits.

  • The evolution of foraging behavior is driven by costs and benefits.