Biologists categorize the cue that stimulates young herring gulls to peck as a sign stimulus because the pecking behavior ____.
A) requires learning to perfect
B) is a cue released by the baby gulls to their parents
C) is triggered by presentation of the cue
D) is only triggered by the cue if it is accompanied by species-specific behaviors
E) appears both in the presence and absence of the cue

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pecking behavior in young herring gulls is categorized as a response to a sign stimulus because it is an innate behavior that is automatically triggered by the presentation of a specific cue, such as the red spot on the parent's beak, without the need for prior learning or the presence of other specific behaviors.

Biologists Categorize the Cue That Stimulates Young Herring Gulls to Peck