In an experiment studying predator and prey relationships,a scientist offers a naïve toad a bumblebee as food.The bee stings the toad when the toad tries to catch and eat the bee.Subsequent feeding trials with the toad reveal that the toad avoids feeding on bumblebees.This is a demonstration of
A)non-associative learning on the toad's part.
B)associative learning on the toad's part.
C)ultimate learning on the toad's part.
D)proximate learning on the toad's part.
E)sign stimulus learning on the toad's part.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of associative learning, specifically classical conditioning. The toad learned to associate the bumblebee with the negative consequence of being stung, and therefore avoids feeding on them in the future. Non-associative learning would be if the toad simply learned to not eat the bee without any specific association (such as if the bee had no effect on the toad). Ultimate and proximate learning are theoretical concepts rather than specific types of learning. Sign stimulus learning refers to the ability to recognize and respond to specific stimuli, such as a prey item or predator, which is not demonstrated in this scenario.

In an Experiment Studying Predator and Prey Relationships,a Scientist Offers