Animal Behavior and Learning Concepts

Learned behavior is acquired through experience and observation, not inherited or coded in DNA. It can be improved with practice and varies across populations. Examples include responding to school bells and dolphins learning tricks. Key characteristics are non-inheritable, non-intrinsic, permutable, adaptable, and progressive. Types of learned behavior include habituation, where response decreases with repeated exposure, and imprinting, where young animals follow the first object they see. Learned behavior contrasts with innate behavior, which is inherent and not learned from others.

What is a key feature of learned behavior?

• It is inherited from parents.

• It is coded in DNA.

• It is present at birth.

• It is acquired through observation.

Why might a dolphin learn to jump through a hoop?

• It is a behavior passed down genetically.

• It is an innate behavior.

• It is taught by a trainer for a reward.

• It is a natural instinct.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of learned behavior?

• Adaptable

• Permutable

• Intrinsic

• Non-inheritable

What does it mean for a behavior to be permutable?

• It can be passed down genetically.

• It is fixed and unchangeable.

• It is present at birth.

• It can change its pattern or sequence.

How does habituation affect an animal's response to a stimulus?

• The response increases over time.

• The response decreases over time.

• The response becomes unpredictable.

• The response remains unchanged.

What is an example of habituation in animals?

• Animals migrating seasonally.

• Animals communicating with each other.

• Animals learning to hunt.

• Animals ignoring frequent human presence.

What is imprinting in the context of learned behavior?

• A behavior that is genetically inherited.

• A young animal fixating on the first object it encounters.

• A behavior that is taught by humans.

• A behavior that is present at birth.

Which of the following is true about imprinting?

• It occurs in adult animals.

• It is a behavior that can be changed easily.

• It is a type of innate behavior.

• It usually involves the animal's parent.

How does learned behavior differ from innate behavior?

• Learned behavior is genetically coded.

• Learned behavior is present at birth.

• Learned behavior is not influenced by the environment.

• Learned behavior is acquired through experience.

Which statement best describes learned behavior?

• It is adaptable and can be refined.

• It is unaffected by practice.

• It is the same across all individuals.

• It is a fixed pattern of actions.