Lecture 2 Flashcards
Memory
Information is stored during learning through changes to the nervous system.
Innate behaviour
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.
Innate releasing mechanisms (IRM)
The neural network (and sensory organs) required for detecting a cue and activating the instinct or fixed action pattern.
Fixed action pattern (FAP)
A preprogrammed series of movements that constitute an adaptive reaction to the stimulus.
IRM and FAP for herring gulls
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
Graylag goose fixed action pattern
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.
Learning behaviour
Modifications to behaviour that result from experience
Short-term memory
Information storage that lasts a few minutes to a few hours
Long-term memory
Storage of information over long periods (days, months, years) and seems to have an unlimited capacity
Non-associative learning
Behaviour changes after repeated exposure to a single stimulus
Types:
- Habituation
- Sensitization
Habituation
Repetitive presentation of a stimulus that results in a diminished response, habituated response can last for long periods
Sensitization
A heightened response to a stimulus after multiple exposures, useful for animals to avoid dangerous situations
Associative learning
Exposure to one stimulus is altered when another stimulus is introduced
Types:
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
Classical conditioning
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
Extinction
Removes association between unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus
Occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus
Operant conditioning
An animal associates a specific action with a reward or consequence
Taste aversion learning
Avoiding foods that have previously caused illness
Positive reinforcement
Adding a desirable stimulus/reward
Negative reinforcement
Removing an undesirable stimulus
Positive punishment
Adding an aversive stimulus
Negative punishment
Removing a pleasant stimulus
Imprinting
Occurs during a “sensitive period”, the experiences during this period have a strong effect on future preference
Social learning
Animals learn through observing the behaviours of others, serves as a shortcut to adaptation, saving time and energy
Latent learning
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.
Play behaviour
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.
Insight learning
Occurs when an animal uses insight to solve a problem, not trial and error, requires no previous exposure to the situation
Cognition
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.
