Animal Behavior

Science

behavior

an organism’s response to internal or external stimulus

behavior Simple Definition

circadian rhythm

the 24-hour biological cycle that regulates sleep and activity

circadian rhythm Simple Definition

conditioning

the process of learning to connect a stimulus with an outcome

conditioning Simple Definition

courtship behavior

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

courtship behavior Simple Definition

estivation

a state of reduced activity of animals in very hot weather

estivation Simple Definition

hibernate

to sleep during the cold winter when the animal has limited food supplies

hibernate Simple Definition

imprinting

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

imprinting Simple Definition

innate behavior

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

innate behavior Simple Definition

insight learning

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

insight learning Simple Definition

instinct

the pattern of behavior with which an animal is born

instinct Simple Definition

migration

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

migration Simple Definition

pheromone

a chemical released by an animal, that affects the behavior of other animals of the same species

pheromone Simple Definition

social behavior

interactions between animals of the same species, it includes courtship and caring for young

social behavior Simple Definition

society

a group of animals of the same species that live and work together

society Simple Definition

territory

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

territory Simple Definition

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