The document discusses scientific theories and the study of animal behavior. It defines a scientific theory as a well-tested explanation supported by evidence that involves collaboration between scientists. Theories are more powerful than laws as they incorporate multiple laws. Examples of scientific theories include the theory of gravity and theory of evolution. The document then defines the study of animal behavior as examining what animals do and the evolutionary purpose of their behaviors. It distinguishes between immediate causes that explain how and when behaviors occur, and ultimate causes that explain why behaviors increased the animal's chances of survival and reproduction.

1. Start-up: Turn homework into the tray. Have your notebook open, pen/pencil ready, and be prepared to take notes.

2. In science a theory is… Theory – a well-tested explanation that is supported by a lot of evidence (facts)‏ – involves scientist collaboration Scientific Theories are MORE POWERFUL than Laws because they are made up of many different laws. Some scientific theories: -Theory of Gravity -Theory of Plate Tectonics -Theory of Evolution -Germ Theory -Cell Theory -Atomic Theory

3. The Study of Animal Behavior (ethology)‏ 1. What an animal does as it interacts with its environment 2. The evolutionary purpose of why it does it

4. There are Immediate and Ultimate Causes of Behavior Immediate causes – answer “how” questions ex. -how is the behavior initiated? -how long does the behavior last? -who performs the behavior? -when is the behavior performed? Ultimate causes – answer “why” (evolutionary) questions -why does this behavior increase the animal’s likelihood of surviving and reproducing in its environment

5. You are an Ethologist Activity Your task is to study 10 behaviors Identify an immediate cause of the behavior Identify an ultimate cause of the behavior