The study of animal behavior begins with understanding how an animal's physiology and anatomy are integrated with its behavior. Both external and internal stimuli prompt behaviors — external information (e.g., threats from other animals, sounds, smells) or weather and internal information (e.g., hunger, fear). Learned behavior is behavior that occurs only after experience or practice. Most animals are capable of learning, but animals that are more intelligent are better at learning and depend more on learned behaviors. The big advantage of learned behaviors over innate behaviors is that... Show more The study of animal behavior begins with understanding how an animal's physiology and anatomy are integrated with its behavior. Both external and internal stimuli prompt behaviors — external information (e.g., threats from other animals, sounds, smells) or weather and internal information (e.g., hunger, fear). Learned behavior is behavior that occurs only after experience or practice. Most animals are capable of learning, but animals that are more intelligent are better at learning and depend more on learned behaviors. The big advantage of learned behaviors over innate behaviors is that learned behaviors are flexible. They can be changed to suit changing conditions. There are several different ways in which animals learn. Two ways are habituation and learning through play. One of the simplest ways of learning that occurs in just about all animals is habituation. Habituation means learning to get used to something after being exposed to it repeatedly. It usually involves getting used to something that is frightening or annoying but not dangerous. Habituation lets animals ignore things that won't harm them. It allows them to avoid wasting time and energy escaping from things that aren't really dangerous. Many animals, especially mammals, spend a lot of time playing when they are young. Although playing is fun, it's likely that animals play for other reasons as well. Learning behaviors that will be important in adulthood is one likely outcome of play. For example, bear cubs play by pretending to fight with each other. Through this type of play, they may be learning skills such as fighting and hunting that they will need as adults. Other young animals may play in different ways. For example, young deer play by running and kicking up their hooves. This may help them learn how to escape from predators. Human children learn by playing as well. For example, playing games and sports may help them learn how to follow rules and work with others. Show less
The study of animal behavior begins with understanding how an animal's physiology and anatomy are integrated with its behavior. Both external and internal stimuli prompt behaviors — external information (e.g., threats from other animals, sounds, smells) or weather and internal information (e.g., hunger, fear). Learned behavior is behavior that occurs only after experience or practice. Most animals are capable of learning, but animals that are more intelligent are better at learning and depend more on learned behaviors. The big advantage of learned behaviors over innate behaviors is that learned behaviors are flexible. They can be changed to suit changing conditions. There are several different ways in which animals learn. Two ways are habituation and learning through play. One of the simplest ways of learning that occurs in just about all animals is habituation. Habituation means learning to get used to something after being exposed to it repeatedly. It usually involves getting used to something that is frightening or annoying but not dangerous. Habituation lets animals ignore things that won't harm them. It allows them to avoid wasting time and energy escaping from things that aren't really dangerous. Many animals, especially mammals, spend a lot of time playing when they are young. Although playing is fun, it's likely that animals play for other reasons as well. Learning behaviors that will be important in adulthood is one likely outcome of play. For example, bear cubs play by pretending to fight with each other. Through this type of play, they may be learning skills such as fighting and hunting that they will need as adults. Other young animals may play in different ways. For example, young deer play by running and kicking up their hooves. This may help them learn how to escape from predators.
Human children learn by playing as well. For example, playing games and sports may help them learn how to follow rules and work with others.
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