AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Upon opening their eyes to the world, baby ducklings instantly identify the first thing they see as their mother. This ”imprinting, ” as it’s known, helps them establish their identity, form a bond, and follow a leader-and once they start following, they don’t stop.

Detailed explanation-2: -Imprinting: how ducklings recognize and learn to trust their mothers (and siblings) In the first days of life, during what is called a ‘sensitive period, ’ young birds of many species undergo a phenomenon called imprinting (Figure 1).

Detailed explanation-3: -Imprinting for wild birds is crucial to their immediate and long-term survival. For example, precocial baby birds (such as ducks, geese, and turkeys) begin the process of imprinting shortly after hatching so that they follow the appropriate adult, providing them with safety.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hang around a duckling constantly, right after it hatches. Ducklings are most sensitive to imprinting 12 to 36 hours after they emerge from the egg (and the imprinting window lasts about 14 days). Place yourself where they can see you.