Learning and Behavior

Any stimulus the removal of which is reinforcing; characterizing an event that is likely to be avoided.

Anything a person or animal does that can be measured. In practice, the term usually refers to publicly observable overt behavior. However, behavior that is available only to the person performing it (such as thinking) may be included if it can be reliably measured.

A series of interraled acts foudn in all or nearly all members of a species. Also called fixed action pattern, species-specific behavior or species typical behavior; formerly called instincts. They have a strong genetic component.

Any change in a gene. When the modified gene occurs in a reproductive cell, the mutation may be passed on to offspring.

The tendency for characteristics that contribute to the survival of a species to persist and for those that do not to disappear.

A relationship between a specific event and a simple, involuntary response to that event. The term usually refers to an unconditional reflex.

Any stimulus that reliably elicits a fixed action pattern. Example: a cat that arches its back and hisses at a dog

An increase in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from earlier exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response. Example: If you jump when you hear a balloon burst nearby, then you are more likely to jump if you hearing another noise such as a book hitting the floor. The loud sound of the bursting balloon sensitizes you to the other noises.

Any event that affects or is capable of affecting behavior.

A decrease in the intensity or probability of a reflex response resulting from repeated exposure to a stimulus that elicits that response. Example: The EEG of cats showed marked arousal at first, but the reaction declined steadily with each repetition of a given sound until the noise hardly had any effect.

A change in behavior due to experience.

Any general behavior tendency that is strongly influenced by genes. Examples include introversion and general anxiety.

Mutation reproductive

Relationship event response

Increase decrease