Juvenile Ground Squirrels Respond to Predators by Making What Are

question 21

Essay

Juvenile ground squirrels respond to predators by making what are known as "alarmcalls. These calls can alert others to danger. Newly weaned squirrels emerge fromthe nest at about 25 days of age. Do the squirrels emerge from the nest withautomatic responses to alarm signals, or are the responses learned?
To address thisquestion a biologist played recordings of alarm calls for three samples of groundsquirrels and observed their responses. She reasoned that if the pattern of responseswas the same for the different age groups the squirrels must be responding by instinct.On the other hand, if the responses differ with the age of the squirrels, the youngsquirrels may be learning to respond to the alarm calls. Her data for the responses to

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Definitions:

Short-term Memory

The memory system that collects new information. Also known as working memory.

Brain Structures

The physical configurations and parts of the brain, each serving different functions vital for human life and behavior.

Problem Drinking

The consumption of alcohol that leads to health problems, legal problems, or difficulties in relationships, work, or everyday activities.

Older Persons

Refers to individuals who are in the later stages of their life, often defined by the World Health Organization as persons aged 65 years and above.