Science Test

define instinctive behavior and provide an example

A unlearned behavior in response to a stimulus

Ex: nest building in birds

Can you give an example, specific to humans, of an imprinting period and its significance

Babies learning how to speak, if they do not learn how to speak during this critical period they will be unable to learn how to speak

What potential consequences might individuals face if they miss the imprinting period for a crucial behavior?

They will not be able to do that behavior

Discuss some limitations or disadvantages of learning through trial and error.

It takes a lot of time espically for people without a lot of knowledge

Identify and explain two critical periods during which imprinting could occur

Sensitive period- receptive to certain environment stimuli or experiences that shape its its future behavior or abilities.

Critical period- Narrow and specific timeframe in development which certain experiences or stimuli are essential for proper development of a particular skill, behavior, or physiological process

How would you define behavior stimulus?

A trigger that causes a certain behavior

What potential effects might lack of play have on animal’s development and well-being?

The animal wont be able to develop certain skills that they need to survive

Provide a clear definition of learned behavior, and describe a situation where an animal learns through experience

learned behavior- repeated presentations that cause a learned response that is not followed by reinforcement

Ex: Young wolves being better hunters by watching older wolves

In terms of play behavior, do captive animals or wild animals typically exhibit more frequent and diverse behaviors

Wild animals because they are exposed to diverse amount of stimuli

Discuss two purposes of engaging in play behavior among animals

To learn how to hunt/fight and to build muscles

How does the level of parental care influence the learning methods adopted by animal offspring?

Higher levels of parental care typically lead to more guided learning methods, as parents can actively teach and demonstrate necessary skills to their offspring. In contrast, less parental care may result in offspring relying on trial and error or observational learning from their environment.

Define fixed action pattern

Instinctive, pre programed behavior that animals preform without needing prior experience or learning, triggered by specific stimuli and proceed to completion once started no matter what

define imprinting

A form of rapid learning that occurs during a sensitive period, where young animals recognize and bond with a caregiver or environmental feature.

define classical conditioning

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response through repeated pairings.

define operant conditioning

A learning process through which behavior is shaped and maintained by consequences, such as rewards or punishments, encouraging or discouraging specific actions.

define insight learning

A cognitive process where an animal or human suddenly realizes how to solve a problem without trial-and-error.

Do animals primarily learn to play through observation and experience, or is play behavior instinctual?

Animal play behavior is influenced by both instinct and learning. Many animals have an innate drive to play, suggesting that play behavior is at least partially instinctual. However, the way they engage in play is often shaped by observation and experience.

Latent Learning

Memory of patterns/events when there is no apparent reward

Ex: A sand wasp learns the location of her next site

Habituation

Learning to ignore stimuli that are unimportant, irrelevant, or repetitive.

Ex: When a person moves into a house near train tracks, after a while, it is no longer startling