Proximate and Ultimate Cause

What is an example of a proximate cause?

• A student failing a test due to lack of studying

• A pedestrian crossing the street

• A driver running a red light and causing a car accident.

• A bird flying into an airplane engine

Define ultimate cause.

• The secondary reason behind an event or phenomenon.

• The immediate trigger of an event or phenomenon.

• The fundamental reason or origin behind an event or phenomenon.

• The final outcome of an event or phenomenon.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Provide an example of an ultimate cause.

• The Big Bang theory is an example of an ultimate cause, as it is believed to be the origin of the universe.

• The invention of the wheel

• The discovery of electricity

• The extinction of dinosaurs

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

How do proximate and ultimate causes differ?

• Proximate causes and ultimate causes both focus on immediate mechanisms.

• Proximate causes focus on evolutionary reasons, while ultimate causes deal with immediate mechanisms.

• Proximate causes deal with immediate mechanisms, while ultimate causes focus on evolutionary reasons.

• Proximate causes are related to long-term evolutionary reasons, while ultimate causes are related to short-term mechanisms.

Can you give another example of a proximate cause?

• A car accident caused by a pothole on the road.

• A house fire caused by faulty wiring.

• A car accident caused by a driver running a red light.

• A plane crash caused by a bird strike.

Explain the concept of ultimate cause.

• The ultimate cause is related to the concept of proximate cause.

• The ultimate cause is the fundamental reason behind an occurrence.

• The ultimate cause is the immediate reason behind an occurrence.

• The ultimate cause is the least important factor in determining an outcome.

Give a real-world example of an ultimate cause.

• Big Bang theory

• Evolution of species

• Formation of mountains

• Discovery of electricity

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

In what ways are proximate and ultimate causes similar?

• Proximate causes are concerned with the past, while ultimate causes are concerned with the future.

• Proximate causes are solely based on environmental factors, while ultimate causes are solely based on genetic factors.

• Proximate causes focus on long-term factors triggering a behavior or trait, while ultimate causes look at immediate reasons behind the behavior or trait.

• Proximate causes focus on immediate factors triggering a behavior or trait, while ultimate causes look at evolutionary reasons behind the behavior or trait.

Share an example of how proximate cause influences behavior.

• Fear (proximate cause) influences the behavior of socializing.

• Thirst (proximate cause) influences the behavior of sleeping.

• Hunger (proximate cause) influences the behavior of eating.

• Excitement (proximate cause) influences the behavior of studying.

Discuss the significance of understanding both proximate and ultimate causes.

• It is significant to understand both proximate and ultimate causes to gain a comprehensive understanding of phenomena.

• Ultimate causes are irrelevant in understanding phenomena.

• Proximate and ultimate causes are interchangeable concepts.

• Understanding only proximate causes is sufficient for a comprehensive analysis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4