Chapter 34, Problem 4STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Behaviour is the way an animal reacts to a stimulus. The stimulus is an external alteration that directly affects the behavior of the organism. Animal habits are innate and acquired habits that have evolved through natural selection. Learned habits are the product of associations between natural behavior and previous experiences in a specific environment.

Answer to Problem 4STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (D) A rat learns that it can get food by pulling a lever.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (D) A rat learns that it can get food by pulling a lever. In operant conditioning, an animal learns to associate its response to a stimulus with a reward or punishment. In Skinner's experiment, a rat learns that it can get food by pulling a lever. So, this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (A) A dog salivates when it hears a bell. It is an example of classical conditioning. The classical condition happens when there is an interaction between two different forms of stimuli. In Pavlov's experiment, a dog was taught to equate the sound of the bell with the unrelated sensation of meat control. The sound of the bell may produce a salivation response. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (B) A horse becomes accustomed to street noises. Sometimes, animals learn over time that a potentially important stimulus deserves little or no attention. The horses have become habituated to street and crowd noise. Habituation can be thought of as learning not to respond to a stimulus. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (C) A newborn forms an attachment to the first animal seen after birth. Learning that can only occur during a fixed period in an animal's life and is life-long is called imprinting. The time during which the animal imprints is called the sensitive era. In certain species, the duration of sensitivity begins immediately after birth. Newborn offspring may develop a close bond with another animal as a parent during this period. So, this is an incorrect answer.