AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Operant conditioning is the basis of animal training. It is a type of learning in which an animal learns (or, is conditioned) from its behaviors as it acts (operates) on the environment. In operant conditioning, the likelihood of a behavior is increased or decreased by the consequences that follow.

Detailed explanation-2: -All animals are capable of learning. Animals in their natural habitats receive reinforcement through various stimuli encountered because of their actions; both classical and operant conditioning have been documented in wild animals [3]. Consequently, most animal species can be trained in human care.

Detailed explanation-3: -In operant conditioning, the animal repeats behaviors that have desired consequences and avoids behaviors that lead to undesirable consequences. For instance, bears, raccoons, dogs, and rats raid garbage cans because they have learned through trial and error that doing so leads to finding food.

Detailed explanation-4: -Operant and classical conditioning are two ways animals and humans learn. If you want to train a simple stimulus/response, then the latter approach is most effective. If you’re going to build, change, or break a habit, then operant conditioning is the way to go.