Animal Behavior

Science

An organism’s response to internal or external stimulus

Behavior

An organisms response to internal or external stimulus. Behavior. In science, behavior is how an organism acts or reacts in response to its environment.

The 24-hour biological cycle that regulates sleep and activity

Circadian rhythm

The 24-hour biological cycle that regulates sleep and activity circadian rhythm. It's the body's natural clock that tells us when to sleep and wake up, based on light and darkness.

The behavior of males and females of a species to attract a mate and reproduce

Courtship behavior

The behavior of males and females of a species to attract a mate and reproduce. Courtship behavior. Courtship behavior is how animals show interest in each other to become mates and have offspring.

An inherited behavior that does not have to be learned, also called instinct

Innate behavior

An inherited behavior that does not have to be learned, also called instinct, is innate behavior. It is a natural action or reaction that organisms do automatically without prior experience or learning.

The pattern of behavior with which an animal is born

Instinct

The pattern of behavior with which an animal is born instinct. Instinct is an automatic response or action that organisms are naturally equipped with to survive and reproduce.

The periodic movement of a species between two regions in response to the seasons

Migration

The periodic movement of a species between two regions in response to the seasons. Migration is when animals move from one place to another, often to find food or for breeding, as the seasons change.

An area that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals

Territory

An area that is occupied and defended by an animal or group of animals. Territory. In science, territory is a specific space that animals claim as their own for living and protecting resources.

The passing of information from one organism to another

Communication

The passing of information from one organism to another. Communication. In science, communication is the way living things share information to coordinate actions or responses.

The learning process where an organism associates a stimulus with a reward or punishment

Classical conditioning

The learning process where an organism associates a stimulus with a reward or punishment. Classical conditioning. It is a learning method where an organism learns to connect a previously neutral stimulus with a positive or negative outcome.

The process by which an animal learns to ignore a stimulus that does not reward or harm it

Habituation

The process by which an animal learns to ignore a stimulus that does not reward or harm it. Habituation is when an animal stops reacting to something that is neither helpful nor harmful.

Irreversible learning that happens at a specific time of an animal’s life, like identifying their mother at birth

Imprinting

Irreversible learning that happens at a specific time of an animals life, like identifying their mother at birth. Imprinting. Imprinting is a process where young animals form attachments and recognize certain individuals or things as a parent right after birth.

The ability to solve problems using past experiences, also called reasoning

Insight learning

The ability to solve problems using past experiences, also called reasoning. insight learning. Insight learning is when you suddenly understand how to solve a problem by connecting ideas or experiences.

A system of communication that uses sounds, symbols, or gestures according to set rules

Language

A system of communication that uses sounds, symbols, or gestures according to set rules. Language. In simple terms, language is how humans share information using words and symbols.

The process of learning to associate a response with a reward or punishment

Operant conditioning

The process of learning to associate a response with a reward or punishment. Operant conditioning. In simple terms, operant conditioning is a way of learning where behaviors are shaped by rewards or punishments.

The behavior of an animal in defending the area in which it lives

Territorial behavior

The behavior of an animal in defending the area in which it lives. Territorial behavior. Territorial behavior is when an animal protects its home area from others to ensure resources and space for itself.

Anything that causes an organism to react

Stimulus

Anything that causes an organism to react. Stimulus. In Science, a stimulus is something in the environment that triggers a response from an organism.

A reaction to a stimulus

Response

A reaction to a stimulus. Response. In science, a response is how an organism or cell changes when it encounters a signal or change in its environment.

The natural selection of alleles that favors the survival of close relatives

Kin selection

The natural selection of alleles that favors the survival of close relatives. Kin selection. Kin selection is a process where individuals act to help relatives survive and reproduce, increasing shared genetic success.