Ethology

For Hume, the idea of “reason” refers to inductive reasoning, or the ability to make associations between different things, and to recognize cause and effect. He argues that animals learn things two ways: from observation, and from instinct (Hume, pg. 71,72). Both of his ideas are persuasive, especially when looking at the behavior of chimpanzees and their use of tools. However, his argument that animals learn based on experience or observation is slightly more persuasive than his argument that…

However, studies of a multitude of different species has shown that this is simply not true. Both Hauser and Page cite a variety of studies that disprove what Don Griffin has called the "groans of pain" theory. Page discusses evidence for a specific vocabulary of vocalizations in animals such as the chicken, squirrel, meerkat, and prairie dog. Cockerels have different alarm calls for ground and aerial predators. It is unlikely that a predator would elicit a different emotional state in the…

Aggression, has been the representation of something diabolical, and destructive for humans and animals as we know it. But what is the cause of aggression; is it instinct, the means of self defense, and sexual reproduction (Konrad Lorenz), or is it a trait learned through reinforcement and punishment (E.O Wilson)? Humans have learned to repress their behaviour to comply to the society, does this make them different compared to animals? Pushed to the limits, is when aggression becomes exposed.…

Description of Intern Activities The internship is being completed at the Brevard Zoo. Prior to the internship, the student was already an employee of the facility. The internship combines both the student’s previous experience as an employee and new experiences as an intern. The main focus is on animal training, behavior, and learning. The activities are centered on both the human and animal interactions in the education department. The human aspects of the internship is related to the hosting…

Forget it and drive on is a saying that has valuable qualities behind it. The qualities involve patience, forgiveness, and selflessness. We learn these qualities from our own experiences. However, these qualities are not easy to apply in everyday life. It is something we have to consistently remind ourselves to practice. We have to remind ourselves that we are no more important than anyone else. The three articles I read prove the importance of patience, forgiveness, and selflessness. The…

The acclaimed author of “The Call of the Wild,” Jack London, has written several stories from the perspective of animals living in the wild. He has received much praise for his unique view on the thoughts and behaviors of animals, but he has also received backlash for this as well. Because of his portrayal of animal thought processes, London has been accused of being a “nature faker,” meaning that he gives human-like characteristics to the animal protagonists of his novels of whom, according to…

The aim of this assignment is to discuss the long term effects of early social development, looking at two different theories of attachment (the evolutionary theory and the learning theory). Attachment as an infant refers to a unique relationship or bond that develops between the infant and a main caregiver (usually the mother) from a young age and beyond over time (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969). The ability to form attachment is said to be due to two things ‘nature or nurture’…

Dian Fossey was born on January 16, 1932 in San Francisco, California. Her parents divorced when she was very young, so she grew up with her mother and stepfather. She was a very good student and always had a love for animals. Dian enrolled in college courses at Marin Junior College to focus on business due to her stepfather being a wealthy businessman. She worked during school and at age 19 during summer break, she worked at a ranch in Montana. At the ranch she fell in love with and became…

Etiological understandings of famine in the bible justify the presence of famine in the modern setting and often delay efforts to rectify the issue. The bible has been one of the most influential books throughout history due to the Christian fellowship’s infallible commitment to their faith. The bible is used as a tool to teach Christians a standard of living a good and ethical life. Story telling is one of the most infamous ways of teaching these essential life lessons, because when the bible…

also mentions the field of cognitive ethology, which focuses on the study of animal minds. One specific anecdote that Bekoff provides includes the story he mentions about his dog, Jethro, saving two animals from death (Bekoff, 2007,p. 18). Through this explanation, Bekoff is able to demonstrate to the reader that through cognitive ethology, individuals are able to realize that animals have emotions and that animal ethics needs to be a priority. Cognitive ethology, animal emotions and ethics are…