Conrad Lorenz discovered, in his work with birds, that ducklings that imprinted on him between 12 and 17 hours after birth continued to follow him even when other ducks became available to them. What does this phenomenon refer to?

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Critical periods are specific times during a life span when an organism is most sensitive to environmental influences. These periods are known as such because if specific things do not happen during them (like imprinting on an adult of the same species), they will not happen at all. Sensitive period is a term used to refer to the same phenomenon in human cognitive and emotional development.

Conrad Lorenz Discovered, in His Work with Birds, That Ducklings