The document discusses the relationship between hormones and behavior in animals. It explains that hormones secreted from endocrine glands influence moods and responses to stimuli. Animal reproductive and maternal behaviors are regulated seasonally based on changing hormone levels, such as increases in sex hormones during breeding seasons. Specific hormones like progesterone, prolactin, LH, and melatonin influence behaviors related to incubation, feeding of young, ovulation, and growth of reproductive organs. Hormones also affect aggressive behaviors, territorial markings, and development of sexual characteristics. Behaviors are regulated through the interactions of the pituitary gland, gonads, and adrenal systems.
3. Hormones – Chemical messenger secreted from
endocrine gland.
Behavior – Response of an individual with respect to
stimulus.
The hormones and behavior are closely interlinked.
Mood of an animal determined by particular
hormones.
Animals – Insensitive to stimuli when hormones are
not available.
4. Animal reproductive behavior is seasonal based
on hormonal action.
During the breeding season, the concentration
of sex hormones in blood is all higher level.
Melatonin secrete from pineal gland.
Melatonin – inhibitory effect on growth of
gonads.
Pituitary hormone cause ovulation, growth of
ovary.
5. Female lay eggs under influence of LH.
Progesterone induces incubation behavior.
Prolactin inhibits secretion of FSH and LH.
When prolactin level decreases, FSH and LH
again release and sexual cycle repeats.
6. Hormones produce bodily changes under
influence of certain type of stimuli.
Hypothyroidism may delay sexual
maturation and inhibitory for production of sex
behavior.
Pituitary gland to secrete LH and cause
ovulation.
7. In vertebrates hormones regulate maternal
behavior.
Doves feed their young one’s.
Pituitary hormone prolactin influence secretion
of milk.
Prolactin - responsible development of feeding
behavior.
If nerve supply is from crop wall temporarily
anesthetized prolactin secretion stop.
8. Progesterone – Incubation
In female rabbit – nest building – oestrogen &
progesterone.
Prolactin level high in blood of female mice.
Prolactin – maximum care, to new born.
LH & Progesterone – nest building in mice.
9. Influence of male sex hormone.
Testosterone – aggressive behavior in young
animals.
Males more aggressive than females.
Pituitary gonadal, pituitary adrenal axis.
10. Under influence of gonadial hormones.
E.g. Mongolian Gerbil
Males mark their territory by oil secretion.
Adrenal Cortex – corticoids, steroid hormones.
Adrenal Medulla– Epinephrine, Nor epinephrine.
Fear, Aggression, Sexual behavior.
11. Oestrogen production of pheromones in females.
Androgen, Oestrogen – development and
maintenance of reproductive and secondary sex
characteristics.
Effect of feeding, energy balance, regulate
enzymes, body weight.
Thyroxin indirect effect in feeding & energy
balance.