Chapter 32, Problem 4STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Imprinting is a very important concept for mankind as it helps in the domestication of animals.

Answer to Problem 4STP

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (d) Imprinting

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (d) Imprinting is the early period in an animal's life when it forms attachments and learns about its own identity. Animals are born with a by-birth drive that helps them to imprint their mother.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) Classical Conditioning is a learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired. It is a response that is first drawn out by the second stimulus and then later by the first stimulus. It is the learning through association when two responses are joined together to form a new learned response or stimuli in a person or an animal.

Option (b) fixed action pattern describes a sequence in behavior which is formed by the innate mechanism. They are the actions that any species is programmed to do. Example: when a type of goose sees its eggs lying outside the nest it rolls them back in the nest with the help of beak.

Option (c) Habituation is a form of response to a stimulus that decreases after repeated or prolonged presentations of that stimulus. For example, a new sound in your environment may initially draw your attention or even become distracting but later with some passing of the time, the attention towards it decreases.

Conclusion

Imprinting is a learned behavior that occurs at a very critical time in the life of an animal as this is the time when the young ones need protection and this behavior develop in the baby by birth and so they keep following their mother.