Lorenz (1935) Imprinting in Goslings

Flashcards covering key aspects of Lorenz's 1935 study on imprinting in goslings, including aim, design, procedure, findings, conclusions, and sexual imprinting.

Aim of Lorenz (1935) study

To investigate imprinting in goslings.

Design of Lorenz (1935) study

Independent groups study.

Procedure of Lorenz (1935) study (part 1)

Separated gosling eggs into 2 groups: one left with their mother (natural environment), the other put in an incubator (Lorenz).

Procedure of Lorenz (1935) study (part 2)

Marked the geese to determine their origin. Incubator group formed a bond with Lorenz. Natural group followed their mother.

Procedure of Lorenz (1935) study (part 3)

Put them in an upturned box to mix the groups. Control group followed their mother, incubator group followed Lorenz.

Imprinting

A phenomenon where species that are mobile from birth attach to the first moving object they see.

Critical Period (Imprinting)

A period in which imprinting needs to take place, ranging from a few hours to 12 hours after hatching (depending on the species).

Conclusion of Lorenz (1935) study

Goslings innately follow objects after hatching, which is adaptive as it promotes survival.

Sexual Imprinting

A case study of a peacock reared in a reptile house who only directed courtship behavior towards giant tortoises, demonstrating that he had undergone sexual imprinting.