Chapter 56, Problem 1TYK

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

There are two types of animal behavior, namely the instinctive behavior and the learned behavior. The instinctive behavior is functional and is in a complete form. This is present in an organism from birth and is a genetically programmed response. The learned behavior is the behavior that the species repeat after observing an adult of the same species. This behavior may be necessary for the survival of that species.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

Marler concluded that the white-crowned sparrows learn their species song during the critical period of their development.

Explanation of Solution

Justification/explanation for the correct answer:

Option (b) states that “the song could be learned by white-crowned sparrows if they listened to their species in the critical period of their developmental stage.” The sparrows can sing their species song by the age of 200 days. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answer:

Option (a) states that “the white-crowned sparrows can only learn their species song after receiving the treatments of hormone.” Hormone treatment will not help these species to learn their species song as they learn the song during the period of their development and start singing at the age of 200 days. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (c) states that “the white-crowned sparrows can learn their species songs under natural conditions.” The white-crowned sparrows can only learn their species song in a certain period of development and natural conditions are not necessary for the species to learn the song. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) states that “the genetic father is the reason for white-crowned sparrows to learn their species song.” The white-crowned sparrows can learn their species song if they are exposed to the sound of adults of their species. The white-crowned sparrows cannot learn the song until they hear it. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (e) states that “if they are reared in isolated cages, then they would be able to sing as the ones that could hear the adults.” The white-crowned sparrows in isolated cages would not be able to listen and learn from the adults of their species. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options (a), (c), (d), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the white-crowned sparrows need to be exposed to adults singing the species song. The exposed species are able to sing their species song in a certain condition as opposed to the species that are kept in a cage.