Analyzing the Behavior of the Three-spined Stickleback
Chapter 28: Animal Behavior

When animals are presented with the proper stimuli, a series of responses occurs. In some cases, an inherited behavior pattern is activated. One example of this is the mating behavior of the three-spined stickleback fish. Mating in these fish proceeds in a step-by-step series of behaviors. If any step is changed, the next behavior in the sequence does not take place. The sequence of steps is as follows.

1. The male builds a nest.
2. If an egg-carrying female appears, the male performs a zigzag dance.
3. This stimulates the female to swim toward the male. The male will then show the female the nest.
4. This stimulates the female to enter the nest.
5. The female presence in the nest stimulates the male to "tremble" and nudge the female.
6. This action stimulates the female to lay the eggs. The female then leaves the nest, the male enters, and fertilizes the eggs.

Analyze the Information

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1. What must occur for this sequence to begin?
2. How has the male prepared for sequence of courtship and mating?
3. What will happen if the female does not follow the male?

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