Imprinting Is a Common Phenomenon in Ducks and Geese

question 24

Multiple Choice

Imprinting is a common phenomenon in ducks and geese. Assume that a baby duck sees a small dog during a critical period after hatching and thinks it is its mother. The duck follows the dog everywhere. What, if anything, could be done to help the duck recognize its real mother instead of the dog?

• A)The dog should be left inside the farmhouse, and the duckling should be placed with an adult duck so it will start following the duck around.
• B)The dog should be left inside the farmhouse, and the duckling should be placed with other ducklings so it can learn normal duckling behavior.
• C)The duckling should be shown an adult duck so it will follow something that looks just like the duckling.
• D)Nothing can be done because the duckling has already imprinted on the dog.

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Definitions:

Glucoreceptors

Receptors in the brain (in the area of the hypothalamus) that detect the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

Insulin Release

is the process by which the pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Nutritional State

The status of an individual's health as it relates to the intake and utilization of nutrients, which can affect overall health and disease susceptibility.

Evolution

The sequence through which assorted life forms are speculated to have evolved and expanded from former states during the historical timeline of the planet.