Male birds reared by something other than a member of their own species will, when they reach reproductive age, be unable to recognize a suitable mate. The ability of a male bird to choose a mate must be due to a(n)

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The scenario described is an example of imprinting, in which an animal learns to recognize and form a strong bond with another individual or object during a critical period early in life. In this case, the male bird was likely raised by a surrogate parent of a different species and did not have the opportunity to imprint on a potential mate of his own species.

Male Birds Reared by Something Other Than a Member of Their