AP BIOLOGY

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

INTRODUCTION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
A goose retrieving a stray egg and rolling it back into its nest is an example of
A
instinctive behavior
B
operant conditioning
C
associative behavior
D
learning preparedness
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -A well-studied example of a fixed action pattern occurs in ground-nesting water birds, like greylag geese. If a female greylag goose’s egg rolls out of her nest, she will instinctively use her bill to push the egg back into the nest in a series of very stereotyped, predictable, movements.

Detailed explanation-2: -An animal’s instincts are examples of its innate behavior. For example, migrating birds use innate behavior to know when to begin their migration and the route that they should follow. Learned behavior comes from watching other animals and from life experiences.

Detailed explanation-3: -Examples of innate behavior include: reflexes, taxis and kinesis, fixed action patterns and stereotypy, and circadian rhythms. Reflexes are automatic, rapid responses to a stimulus. Common reflexes include the knee jerk reflex, a newborn sucking reflex, and a cat arching when scratched.

Detailed explanation-4: -Instinctive behaviors in animals include the instinct to procreate and pass one’s genes on to the next generation, the instinct to fight for survival, and the instinct to create nests, dens, and other places of safety. Many animals have maternal instincts that ensure that their young are fed and protected.

There is 1 question to complete.