Chapter 46, Problem 14PIAT

Summary Introduction

To review:

The levels of corticosterone after the release after a restraint is different in habituated and nonhabituated penguins. Corticosterone levels of both the penguins when they were captured, were similar. However, after the release, the level differed.

Introduction:

Corticosterone is a glucocorticoid, major stress hormone, present in many species of amphibians, reptiles, rodents, and birds, and it is mainly involved in energy regulation, immune reactions, and stress responses. The level of corticosterone differs in both the habituated and nonhabituated penguins on the basis of response levels. Stress hormones are released in the response to a threat. The physiological and behavioral mechanism developed in penguins is due to an evolutionary mechanism. Habituated penguins do not perceive humans as a threat, but nonhabituated perceive humans as a threat.