Available online
Description
This programme sets out to introduce the student to the methods of investigation and forms of explanation offered by ethologists, The general theme of the programme is the observation and descripti...on of behaviour in the natural habitat of the species concerned. This ranges from ponds and newts to living rooms and babies, by way of woods and Great Tits. The first sequence in the programme looks at Tim Halliday's work on causal factors in Newt courtship and was shot on location in Milton Keynes. The second major sequence is an animated version of an experiment carried out by John Krebs of the University of Oxford, on the function of birdsong. Finally the programme looks at the application of ethological methods to human behaviour, in a sequence which showed the work of David White on parental holding patterns and how these are related to the age and the sex of the child.
This programme sets out to introduce the student to the methods of investigation and forms of explanation offered by ethologists, The general theme of the programme is the observation and descripti...on of behaviour in the natural habitat of the species concerned. This ranges from ponds and newts to living rooms and babies, by way of woods and Great Tits. The first sequence in the programme looks at Tim Halliday's work on causal factors in Newt courtship and was shot on location in Milton Keynes. The second major sequence is an animated version of an experiment carried out by John Krebs of the University of Oxford, on the function of birdsong. Finally the programme looks at the application of ethological methods to human behaviour, in a sequence which showed the work of David White on parental holding patterns and how these are related to the age and the sex of the child.
| Module code and title: | SD286, "Biology, brain and behaviour" |
|---|---|
| Item code: | SD286; 02 |
| First transmission date: | 14-03-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:23 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jenny Hughes |
| Contributors: | Geoff Einon; Tim Halliday |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Behaviour; Birdsong; Ethology; Newts |
| Footage description: | Shots of the pond at Walton Hall. Geoff Einon voice over, introduces the programme. Shots of Tim Halliday by the pond. He nets several newts and shows them to the camera. Halliday points out the differences between the two species of newts found there and also the differences between the males and females in each species. Tim Halliday with an aquarium containing a pair of spotted newts. He explains first why he feels it is legitimate to study newts in this environment. He then sets out the details of his study of newt courtship behaviour. Film shots of a pair of newts during courtship. Shots of Tim Halliday's controlled experiment in which he determines whether or not female tail touch causes sperm deposition by the male. With the aid of a graphics board, Geoff Einon summarises the results of Tim Halliday's Experiment. Geoff Einon goes on to look, at another ethological experiment, one carried out by John Krebbs in woodlands near Oxford. The experiment tested the assumption that a function of birdsong was to proclaim ownership of territory - Geoff Einon describes the experiment which is shown with a series of animations. Geoff Einon introduces the third ethological experiment. This one looks at a particular aspect of human parental behaviour, that of holding a baby. Shots of the Duncan family, mother, father, and baby. The parents handle the baby in turn. Commentary points out the various holding patterns and also the differences in the way the mother and father hold the baby. Over further shots of the Duncan family, David White summarises the experiment. Geoff Einon summarises the programme. |
| Master spool number: | HOU3589 |
| Production number: | FOUS177Y |
| Videofinder number: | 2074 |
| Available to public: | no |
