ULTIMATE AND PROXIMATE EXPLANATIONS

OF BEHAVIOR
ULTIMATE: explanation at the evolutionary level. What
function does/did this behavior have in promoting survival
and fitness?
PROXIMATE: what are the immediate causes and
mechanisms of the behavior?
Example: why do male songbirds sing?
Ultimate explanation: singing served to attract females and
defend territory from other males. Males were selected for
singing over evolutionary time.
Proximate explanation: increased daylight in the spring
leads to increased testostrerone production, which acts to
activate a brain center that controls singing. Additional
factors: role of experience in song-learning.