Sample interview questions: How do you approach the study of animal behavior in the context of resource competition?
Sample answer:
Approaching the Study of Animal Behavior in Resource Competition
1. Identify Key Resources:
* Determine the resources for which animals compete, such as food, mates, territory, or shelter.
2. Observe and Quantify Behavior:
* Use observational techniques to record the frequency, duration, and intensity of competitive behaviors.
* Quantify data using focal animal sampling or scan sampling to compare behaviors among individuals and groups.
3. Manipulate Resources:
* Experimentally manipulate resource availability to assess its impact on competitive behavior.
* Increase or decrease resource abundance, distribution, or quality to observe changes in competition levels.
4. Assess Fitness Consequences:
* Evaluate the fitness consequences of resource competition for individual animals.
* Measure parameters such as survival, growth, reproductive success, and body condition to determine the costs and benefits of competition.
5. Examine Competitive Strategies:
* Identify the different competitive strategies employed by animals, such as aggression, dominance, avoidance, or resource defense.
* Analyze the relative effectiveness of these strategies in different resource environments.
6. Consider Environmental Factors:
* Account for environmental factors that may influ… Read full answer