Q.93 An animal’s ability to escape from a predator by using the explored knowledge of home
area is an example of
(A) Latent learning (B) Insight learning (C) Mimicry (D) Imprinting
The correct answer is (A) Latent learning. This scenario describes an animal using previously acquired spatial knowledge of its home area without immediate reinforcement, which aligns directly with latent learning principles demonstrated in classic animal behavior studies.
Option Analysis
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(A) Latent learning: Involves acquiring knowledge through exploration without reinforcement, demonstrated later when needed, such as navigating a familiar maze or home range to evade predators.
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(B) Insight learning: Features a sudden realization or novel problem-solving based on reasoning, like a chimpanzee stacking boxes for bananas, not routine use of prior spatial knowledge.
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(C) Mimicry: Refers to evolved resemblance to another organism or object for protection, such as camouflage, unrelated to learned navigation.
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(D) Imprinting: Occurs rapidly in a critical period post-birth, forming attachments like ducklings following their mother, not applicable to predator escape via explored knowledge.
Animals demonstrate latent learning animal escape predator home area knowledge by forming cognitive maps during exploration, enabling quick evasion without prior rewards.
Core Concept
Latent learning occurs when animals gain spatial understanding through free exploration, remaining hidden until a motivator like predator threat activates it. Tolman’s rat maze experiments showed unrewarded rats navigating efficiently once food appeared, mirroring how prey use home range maps for survival.
Question Breakdown
In the CSIR NET-style query, an animal fleeing via “explored knowledge of home area” exemplifies latent learning, as it relies on prior, unreinforced familiarity—not sudden insight, deceptive mimicry, or early imprinting.
Exam Relevance
For CSIR NET Life Sciences, distinguish latent learning (cognitive maps, Tolman) from insight (Köhler’s chimps), aiding ethology and behavior sections. Practice reinforces this for competitive edges.
