I think what I found the most interesting about these
modules was module 1.1 where it talks about the various biological
explanations. There’s physiological, ontogenetic, evolutionary, and functional
explanations for various behaviors humans and animals do. I found the
evolutionary explanation for goose bumps the most interesting. This explanation
I had never really thought about why goose bumps would happen. Actually, I
never thought there was a reason for them occurring. In the book it says that
when people are frightened they get erections of the hairs especially on their
arms and shoulders. We inherited this tendency from our ancestors who had a lot
more hair than we do now. The functional explanation is so the animal will look
larger and more intimidating because of the erect hairs. They used an example
of cats and how whenever they get frightened they kind of stand up a little
more and their hairs are erected to make them look bigger and therefore more
intimidating to other animals that will try to hurt them. They gave an example
of birds as well, in how a 4-month old bird migrates south and probably doesn’t
have any idea why he does it. Then she lays an egg and sits atop it and also
defends it from predators but again she doesn’t know why. This is kind of like
when a human yawns or laughs. We know why we’re doing them but can we really
explain to someone the reason why we’re doing them?
I included this video of camouflaging because it's an interesting way to explain how the functional explanation for this would be that it would make the animal inconspicuous to predators and it makes it able to blend into its surroundings.
I totally agree with your blog & the video you posted is a great example that really supports your blog with a great visual example. The evolutionary explanation dealing with goose bumps on people when frightened fascinated me. I found it quite comical when I thought of humans "puffing up and looking larger". It's kinda funny when you think about it.
ReplyDeleteBack on a more serious note, I had never had taken the time to think about why goosebumps occur. Other than the fact that they show up when we're cold, I didn't think there was much more to it. The camouflaging of certain creatures such as the zone-tailed hawks who mimic vultures in their flying in order to catch their prey. Its amazing how this behavior evolves as it did.
I was very fascinated about this while reading this module. I too didn't think why we get goose bumps whenever we're scared. I just thought it just something that naturally occurs to us. I've never thought of it a defense mechanism. Now, to us, its seems useless since we don't have that much hair on our bodies like our ancestors did. We won't be able to fend off our attackers with these now.
ReplyDeleteThat video of the chameleon camouflaging it self with the color of the sunglasses was interesting. Imagine if we inherited this behavior? Wouldn't it be so cool?