The first time a wild rat encounters a food that it has never tasted before, it usually displays
A) conditioned taste aversion.
B) neophobia.
C) thigmotaxis.
D) temporal contiguity.
E) an emetic reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neophobia refers to the fear or avoidance of new or unfamiliar objects, environments, or experiences. In the context of rat behavior, neophobia can lead to a reluctance to approach or consume a novel food item until the rat has had time to assess whether it is safe to consume. Therefore, the best choice is B, neophobia, as the rat is encountering a new food item for the first time.

The First Time a Wild Rat Encounters a Food That