The Role of Learned Behavior in Animal and Human Adaptation and Survival

Behavior that does not happen instinctually -it is learned by watching others, being taught it, trial and error, insight, etc., change in behavior from learning from past experiencesTrain a dog to sit by giving them a reward when they sit after you tell them to, reading a book or writing, etc.

Behavior that does not happen instinctually and is learned through various means such as watching others, being taught, trial and error, insight, etc

Behavior that does not happen instinctually and is learned through various means such as watching others, being taught, trial and error, insight, etc., is known as learned behavior or acquired behavior. This type of behavior emerges through experiences and interactions with the environment.

One common example of training learned behavior is teaching a dog to sit. This can be achieved by following a reward-based training method. Here’s a step-by-step example:

1. Start in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Hold a small treat in your hand to grab the dog’s attention.

2. Stand in front of the dog and say the command “Sit” in a clear and firm tone.

3. Gently push down on the dog’s hindquarters while using your other hand to guide their nose upward and backward, causing them to naturally sit.

4. As soon as the dog sits, praise them enthusiastically and immediately give them the treat.

5. Repeat this process several times, always using the same command and rewarding with a treat each time the dog successfully sits.

6. Gradually reduce the physical guidance and use only verbal commands while still rewarding with treats.

7. Practice the sit command in different locations and gradually introduce distractions, making sure to reward and reinforce the behavior consistently.

Through this process, the dog associates the command “Sit” with the action of sitting down. They learn that responding to this command results in a positive outcome (the treat) and, therefore, are more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.

In addition to training animals, learned behavior is also applicable to humans. For example, reading a book or writing is a learned behavior. These skills are not innate but are acquired through educational instruction and practice. Similarly, humans can learn various behaviors from observing others, being taught by parents or teachers, or even through trial and error.

Overall, learned behavior is essential for adaptation and survival in both animals and humans. It allows for the development of skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to adjust to changing environments based on past experiences.

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