Question

How might a learned behavior contribute to speciation? (See Concept 24.1.)

Short answer

Both learned behavior and intrinsic behavior contribute to reproductive isolation, and as a consequence, speciation. Bird songs, for example, aid in species identification during courtship, ensuring that only members of the same species mate.

Step-by-step solution

Speciation

Species are defined differently based on the kinds of living forms being studied. A species that reproduces sexually differs from the one that reproduces asexually, just as a single cell differs from a multicellular organism.

Individuals who can reproduce with one another make up a species. When two populations divide and are unable to reproduce together, it results in speciation.

Animal behavior

A behavior is defined as an activity taken up by an organism in response to various situations.Physiological mechanisms and processes underpin all animal behavior, whether solitary or gregarious, fixed or flexible.

An activity carried out by muscles under the supervision of the neurological system is referred to as individual behavior.

Learned and intrinsic behavior

The act of learning is the process of changing one's behavior after experiencing something.It is more difficult to change a natural habit than a learned one.

Adaptable to changing circumstances; consequently, they may be more adaptable than intrinsic behaviors. Animals have several techniques to learn new abilities. There are a few ways that are rather easy to put into practice. Others are more challenging.

Thus, natural and sexual selection function by providing the essential ingredients for behavioral variation, boosting, and hindering long-term evolution.