The behaviors exhibited by animals are either instinctual or learned. Whether instinctive or learned, certain behaviors may be present in all members while others are more specific to certain individuals, locations, or situations. One of the instinctual behaviors observed in animals is that the male zebras tend to sing to attract the female ones. The proximate cause of this behavior is that songs are produced when air flows from air sacs in the bronchi through an organ referred to as syrinx. The ultimate cause of this behavior is that social cues like appropriate hormonal state and the proximity of a potential mate trigger singing in zebra finches.
For a better understanding of the ultimate cause of singing in zebras, it is imperative to look into the development of the behavior. Precisely, it is necessary to understand if the singing is present early in life, changes over the course of the zebra’s development, and the experiences necessary for its development. Young male zebras usually listen to the songs of nearby males of their species, particularly their fathers. The young male zebras then start practicing the singing. By the time they reach adulthood, the male zebras have learned how to produce their songs. Of equal importance to highlight here is the fact that the songs produced by male zebras are usually unique but often have similarities to those of their fathers. Once a male zebra has perfected a song, the song remains fixed for life. Additionally, for a better understanding of the ultimate causes of singing in male zebras, it is crucial to determine if the behavior affects zebras’ chances of survival and reproduction. Singing helps male zebras to attract mates. In other terms, singing entices the female to choose the male zebra. As such, it is apparent that singing increases the chances that zebras will reproduce.
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