Question

What are some examples of imprinting?

Answer 1

Imprinting:

1. Imprinting is a type of innate learning in animals immediately after birth or hatching to recognize their caregiver for food and protection.
2. This enables them to develop behavioral patterns related to mating, socializing, and surviving specific to their species.
3. Imprinting occurs in the first 48 hours of life when the animal follows the first object it sees for more than 10 minutes.

Types of imprinting:

1. Filial imprinting: It is the most common type of imprinting seen between a parent and the newborn. For example, ducks and geese.
2. Sexual imprinting: It is a type of imprinting where the animal learns the mate preferences at a young age by observing the parents as role models. For example, male zebra finches and greylag geese.
3. Limbic imprinting: Any good or bad event experienced in the different stages of birth can leave an impact on the fetus which can affect the psychology of the newborn. For example, human beings.

Example of imprinting:

1. A young duckling during the first few hours of life sees the image of its mother and siblings.
2. This gets imprinted in the brain of the duckling and follows them which is essential for its survival.