Many rats were tested for their ability to learn to navigate a maze. The average number of errors, for a total of 14 trials, was 64 per rat. The rats that made the fewest errors were bred to each other, and the offspring were tested in a similar way. This process was repeated for seven generations, at which point the average number of errors for 14 trials was 36. This experiment demonstrates that
A) learned behavior cannot be inherited.
B) maze-learning ability has a genetic basis.
C) maze-learning ability depends mainly on early contact with adept parents.
D) natural selection has a role in the evolution of fixed action patterns but not in the evolution of behavior involving learning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment shows that the rats that made the fewest errors were bred to each other, and the offspring were tested in a similar way. After seven generations, the average number of errors for 14 trials was reduced to 36. This suggests that maze-learning ability has a genetic basis and can be improved through selective breeding.

Many Rats Were Tested for Their Ability to Learn to Navigate