The pecking behavior of laughing gull chicks becomes more accurate with time. This is most likely an example of
A) a fixed-action pattern only.
B) innate behavior only.
C) a fixed-action pattern modified by learning.
D) imprinting.
E) altruistic behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the pecking behavior of laughing gull chicks becomes more accurate with time suggests that it is not solely innate, as the chicks are able to modify and improve their behavior through learning. Therefore, the most likely option is that the behavior is a fixed-action pattern modified by learning.

The Pecking Behavior of Laughing Gull Chicks Becomes More Accurate