4. Learning, pt 2

Question 1

Learning Objective 1: Learning Processes in Bait Shyness

Bait Shyness and Taste Aversion

Answer 1

Bait Shyness and Taste Aversion
Bait shyness is avoidance of toxic baits due to previous exposure.
It’s a form of taste aversion learning in classical conditioning.
Animals associate cues (color, odor, taste) with negative response from toxic bait.
This leads to reduced consumption in the future.

Question 2

Learning Objective 2: Learning to Avoid Repellents in Baits

Avoiding Repellents through Conditioning

Answer 2

Avoiding Repellents through Conditioning
Repellents deter animals from baits through primary or secondary effects.
Primary repellents have unpleasant taste, smell, or irritant properties.
Secondary repellents cause unpleasant physiological responses after consumption.
Animals learn to avoid primary repellents through classical conditioning.
Secondary repellents involve operant conditioning, decreasing behavior likelihood.

Question 3

Learning Objective 3: Examples of Learning Processes in Action

Possums’ Taste Aversion Learning

Answer 3

Possums’ Taste Aversion Learning

Possums develop bait shyness via taste aversion.
Exposure to sub-lethal poison leads to avoidance of non-toxic baits.
Aversion can persist for weeks to months.

Question 4

Learning Objective 3: Examples of Learning Processes in Action

Kea’s Repellent Aversion

Answer 4

Kea’s Repellent Aversion

Kea birds quickly learn to avoid repellent-treated bait.
Primary and secondary repellents lead to reduced consumption.
Learned avoidance demonstrated in endangered bird species.

Question 5

Learning Objective 3: Examples of Learning Processes in Action

Color Preferences in Birds

Answer 5

Color Preferences in Birds

Birds’ color preferences impact bait consumption.
Green-dyed baits deter non-target birds, but individual preferences vary.
Cinnamon oil masks toxin odor and taste, with varying effectiveness.

Question 6

Learning Objective 3: Examples of Learning Processes in Action
Implications of Bait Shyness

Answer 6

Implications of Bait Shyness

Bait shyness hampers pest management efforts.
Learned avoidance reduces bait effectiveness.
Researchers explore solutions like bait switching.