Summary
Testosterone, oxytocin and vasopressin shape aggression, bonding and parenting.
In depth
Testosterone raises aggression in many species; oxytocin supports bonding; corticosterone mediates stress; prolactin promotes parental care. Behaviour also changes hormones (feedback).
Hormones act as organisational influences in early development (shaping brain) and activational influences in adults (triggering behaviour). Behaviour can feed back on hormones, as in the winner effect.
Remember: correlation between hormone levels and behaviour does not establish cause.
Hormones act as chemical messengers that raise or lower the probability of behaviours by influencing brain circuits. They can organise brain development early in life and activate behaviours later in adulthood.
Testosterone is linked to aggression and territorial displays, oestrogen and progesterone to sexual receptivity and maternal care, prolactin to parental behaviour, and oxytocin and vasopressin to bonding. Stress hormones such as cortisol alter fear and learning.
Example: seasonal rises in testosterone trigger song and territoriality in birds, and castration reduces these behaviours.
Remember: behaviour can also change hormone levels, a two-way relationship.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hormones and Behaviour?
Testosterone, oxytocin and vasopressin shape aggression, bonding and parenting.
Which area of biology covers Hormones and Behaviour, and how advanced is it?
Hormones and Behaviour is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Behavioural Genetics, Dominance Hierarchies, Tinbergen's Four Questions.
Can you give an example of Hormones and Behaviour?
Challenge hypothesis: male birds increase testosterone during territorial challenges.
What should I learn before Hormones and Behaviour?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Hormones and Behaviour. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Hormones and Behaviour?
The closest topics to Hormones and Behaviour are Behavioural Genetics, Dominance Hierarchies, Tinbergen's Four Questions, Learned Behaviour. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Hormones and Behaviour?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Hormones and Behaviour. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Hormones and Behaviour different from Behavioural Genetics?
Hormones and Behaviour: Testosterone, oxytocin and vasopressin shape aggression, bonding and parenting. Behavioural Genetics: Identifies genes influencing behaviour, such as the foraging gene in fruit flies. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Hormones and Behaviour step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Behavioural Genetics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.