Basic Animal Care (2nd) Flashcards
All information that was taught to me while attending Vanier College's "Animal Health Technology" Program, located in St-Laurent Montreal.
What is the theory of evolution by natural selection and who wrote it
That variation in traits exist within animals of one species and Charles Darwin
What is the theory of genetic information and inheritance and who wrote it
Gregory Mandel. Like the morphology and physiology the behavior also has a genetic component
Who were the three founders of the comparative study of behavior
Konrad Lorenz, niko Tinbergen and Karl Von Frisch
What is behavioral medicine
The medicinal study of abnormal behavior. Methods used to diagnose behavior problems and modify behavior in pets
Why are the majority of animals euthanized
Due to behavior problem
Why should we study animal behavior
So we learn to interpret their natural behavior as it relates to safe handling, restraint, management practices. Also for client education and to assist researchers
Where does instinct come from
It is inherited
Where does learning come from
From the environment and experience
Give an example of physiology controlled behavior
Neutered versus non-neutered
Describe fixed action patterns
Behaviors carried out in an orderly, predictable, sequence. May not be performed identically on all occasions but should be recognizable
What is special about instinct and the way it controls behavior
Behaviors are performed without being based upon prior experience
What is essential for fixed action pattern to occur
A stimulus that will trigger it. Example Male selecting territory that it defends against other males
What are the advantages to instinct controlling behavior
It’s very efficient. Thinking about or learning the response may take too much time to respond.
What are releasers
Things that focus the animals attention on the relevant signal which will release a preprogrammed fixed action behavior that enable the animal to respond rapidly when speed maybe essential for survival
What is the definition of learning
Modification of behavior through experience
What are the six types of learning processes
Classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, habituation, insight learning, imitation, imprinting
What does classical conditioning required And how can a neutral stimulus elicit a response
Needs a stimulus that elicits specific response. If a neutral stimulus is associated with the unconditioned stimulus for number of trials the response will eventually be elicited by the neutral stimulus at this point in neutral stimulus is called the conditioned stimulus and the response conditioned response
What is operant conditioning
Learning that occurs as a result of the consequences of behavior. Uses a reinforcement structure
What is a positive reinforcement
A pleasant stimulus is given when the animal gives the appropriate response. Leads to an increase of the response in the future
What is essential for positive reinforcement to work most effectively and rapidly
Timing. Reinforcement must immediately follow the desired behavior. Repetition. Behaviors reinforced every single time. Intermittent reinforcement is used to maintain the response once behavior is learned
What is reinforcement
Any stimulus that increases the probability of the behavior proceeding it
What’s a primary reinforcer
A reward that is pleasing to the animal. Food, play
What is a secondary reinforcer
An indicator that some other reinforcers such as the primary reinforcers on its way
What is punishment
Any stimulus change that reduces the probability of the behavior preceding it
What is a positive reinforcer/punishment
A stimulus is added to the situation. Delivered following a response
Negative reinforcement/punishment
When a stimulus is removed from the situation
What is shaping:
Learning technique that uses gradual approximation and allows the animal to be rewarded initially for any behavior that looks like what is desired as the final outcome
What is habituation
An elementary form of learning, involves no rewards. Cessation or decrease in a response to a stimulus that is a result of repeated or prolonged exposure to that stimulus. Example puppy to vacuum
What is insight learning
The animal makes new associations between previously learned tasks to solve a new problem. Chimps that connects the series of small polls into a longer one to obtain bananas
