The evolutionary history of rats has rendered them _____ to associate a taste CS with an illness US, and _____ to associate that same CS with an electric shock US.
A)prepared; prepared
B)prepared; unprepared
C)unprepared; unprepared
D)unprepared; prepared

Question

The evolutionary history of rats has rendered them _____ to associate a taste CS with an illness US, and _____ to associate that same CS with an electric shock US. ​
A)prepared; prepared ​
B)prepared; unprepared
C)unprepared; unprepared
D)unprepared; prepared

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rats are evolutionarily prepared to associate a taste (conditioned stimulus, CS) with illness (unconditioned stimulus, US) due to their natural avoidance of toxic foods. However, they are unprepared to associate a taste with an electric shock, as this does not align with their evolutionary experiences.

The Evolutionary History of Rats Has Rendered Them _____ to Associate