Lecture 2

Question 1

Memory

Answer 1

Information is stored during learning through changes to the nervous system.

Question 2

Innate behaviour

Answer 2

A fully functional behaviour pattern that occurs as a result of a stimulus, regardless of whether or not the animal has had any previous experience with the cues that cause the behaviour.

Question 3

Innate releasing mechanisms (IRM)

Answer 3

The neural network (and sensory organs) required for detecting a cue and activating the instinct or fixed action pattern.

Question 4

Fixed action pattern (FAP)

Answer 4

A preprogrammed series of movements that constitute an adaptive reaction to the stimulus.

Question 5

IRM and FAP for herring gulls

Answer 5

cue - red spot on beak (contrast)
irm - detection of the red spot and pathways for activating the pecking behaviour
fap - pecking at the red dot

Question 6

Graylag goose fixed action pattern

Answer 6

The graylag goose will move its neck in a specific way to roll an egg under its neck if it senses an egg-shaped object. If the egg is removed during the movement, the goose will continue the behaviour until complete since it is a fixed action.

Question 7

Learning behaviour

Answer 7

Modifications to behaviour that result from experience

Question 8

Short-term memory

Answer 8

Information storage that lasts a few minutes to a few hours

Question 9

Long-term memory

Answer 9

Storage of information over long periods (days, months, years) and seems to have an unlimited capacity

Question 10

Non-associative learning

Answer 10

Behaviour changes after repeated exposure to a single stimulus

Types:
- Habituation
- Sensitization

Question 11

Habituation

Answer 11

Repetitive presentation of a stimulus that results in a diminished response, habituated response can last for long periods

Question 12

Sensitization

Answer 12

A heightened response to a stimulus after multiple exposures, useful for animals to avoid dangerous situations

Question 13

Associative learning

Answer 13

Exposure to one stimulus is altered when another stimulus is introduced

Types:
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning

Question 14

Classical conditioning

Answer 14

An event is followed predictably by a stimulus, causing the two to be associated

Unconditioned response: a normal response to an unconditioned stimulus

Neutral stimulus: a stimulus that does not elicit a response

Conditioned stimulus: the neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus when it elicits a response

Question 15

Extinction

Answer 15

Removes association between unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus

Occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus

Question 16

Operant conditioning

Answer 16

An animal associates a specific action with a reward or consequence

Question 17

Taste aversion learning

Answer 17

Avoiding foods that have previously caused illness

Question 18

Positive reinforcement

Answer 18

Adding a desirable stimulus/reward

Question 19

Negative reinforcement

Answer 19

Removing an undesirable stimulus

Question 20

Positive punishment

Answer 20

Adding an aversive stimulus

Question 21

Negative punishment

Answer 21

Removing a pleasant stimulus

Question 22

Imprinting

Answer 22

Occurs during a “sensitive period”, the experiences during this period have a strong effect on future preference

Question 23

Social learning

Answer 23

Animals learn through observing the behaviours of others, serves as a shortcut to adaptation, saving time and energy

Question 24

Latent learning

Answer 24

Occurs when an animal remembers previous information and uses it later to form a cognitive map. will begin by randomly exploring a situation but will use cognitive maps when motivated.

Question 25

Play behaviour

Answer 25

Play allows young animals to practice the movements necessary for skills they will use later in like (hunting, fighting, etc.). may also stimulate neural development.

Question 26

Insight learning

Answer 26

Occurs when an animal uses insight to solve a problem, not trial and error, requires no previous exposure to the situation

Question 27

Cognition

Answer 27

Information processing. brain processes that occur between sensory information and behaviour execution. required for anticipation of the future, insight, ability to extrapolate data, the concept of self, etc.