You observe a species of bird that, upon hatching, has contact with its parents only while being fed. You also never hear the parents sing during the feeding process. What would you propose about song learning in this species of bird?
A) Song learning in this species is most likely learned.
B) The period of imprinting is likely later in the bird's life.
C) The males will learn song when they congregate with other males of their species during the winter.
D) Song learning in this species is most likely innate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the parents do not sing during feeding and only have contact with the hatchling during this time suggests that song learning is not through parental tutoring or imitation. Additionally, the absence of any information regarding the bird's exposure to conspecifics or other environmental stimuli leads us to believe that the bird's song is likely innate.

You Observe a Species of Bird That, Upon Hatching, Has