PRACTICE: Tinbergen and Anxiety

Using what you learned about Tinbergen’s Four Questions in Chapter 3 and the previous section of this chapter, try to determine to which question/level each of these traits responds.

1. Andy is studying for an important exam. Before leaving class, he and his classmates were discussing the point value of the exam and what it means for their final grade. He is worried a poor grade could negatively affect his chances of medical school. Which of Tinbergen’s questions covers this situation? Click here for the answer.
2. Nika is waiting to be seen by her doctor. She hates the smell of medical offices, and she begins to get nauseous. She realizes she has begun sweating, her heart begins to race, and suddenly, catches herself nearly fainting in the exam room. Which of Tinbergen’s questions covers this situation? Click here for the answer.
3. Sam is walking down the street late at night. They pass by a broken lamp post at a corner which intersects with an alley. They cannot see down the alley but hear footsteps. Sam begins to run, stopping only once they reach the convenience store at the end of the street. Which of Tinbergen’s questions covers this situation? Click here for the answer.
4. Hige is observing a capuchin monkey at a research colony. He notices that the monkey has begun to pluck hair from her arms and face, is rocking in the corner, and refuses to eat. After asking around, he also learns that the young female was recently attacked by others in the colony. Hige determines the capuchin might be suffering from anxiety about her social group. Which of Tinbergen’s questions covers this situation? Click here for the answer.