Animal Studies Key Terms Flashcards
What is a critical period
A time where animals are supposedly sensitive to attachments. If attachments are not formed during this period, critical periods assume that they will neve be able to form
What is a sensitive period
The best time period within which attachments can form, though they can still form with more difficultly outside this period
What is imprinting
A form of attachment where offspring follow the first large moving object they see
What is sexual imprinting
Where mate preferences are learned at a very young age using the parent as a model
What is courtship behaviour
Behaviours performed in order to ‘date’ another organism
What are the 2 attachment types
Mammalian attachment system
Bird attachment system
What is the mammalian attachment system
Mothers show more emotional attachment
What is the bird attachment system
Mothers show less emotional attachment
