Summary
Behaviour changed by experience, such as a bird learning a song.
In depth
Forms: habituation, imprinting, classical and operant conditioning, observational learning and insight. Learning allows flexible responses to changing environments but is costly.
Learning involves lasting changes in synapses and neural circuits. It evolves when environments change within an animal's lifetime and the cost of learning is worth the flexibility. Young animals often have sensitive periods when learning is easiest.
Remember: learning requires memory, so both are linked in the brain.
Learning is a lasting change in behaviour produced by experience. It lets animals cope with unpredictable environments, finding new foods, recognising predators and mates, and avoiding dangers. Main forms include habituation, imprinting, classical and operant conditioning, observational learning and insight.
Learning has costs, since it requires time, risk during trial and error, and expensive neural tissue, so it evolves mainly where conditions vary enough that fixed behaviour would fail. Many species learn through a template inherited genetically, such as songbirds that can only learn songs of their own species.
Example: crows learn to drop nuts on roads for cars to crack.
Frequently asked questions
What is Learned Behaviour?
Behaviour changed by experience, such as a bird learning a song.
Which area of biology covers Learned Behaviour, and how advanced is it?
Learned Behaviour is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Bird Song Learning, Innate Behaviour, Behavioural Plasticity and Climate.
Why does Learned Behaviour matter?
Learning is the basis of education and animal training.
Can you give an example of Learned Behaviour?
Young chimpanzees learn termite fishing from mothers.
What should I learn before Learned Behaviour?
Learned Behaviour is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour that pair well with it include Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Instinct.
What topics are related to Learned Behaviour?
The closest topics to Learned Behaviour are Bird Song Learning, Innate Behaviour, Behavioural Plasticity and Climate, Instinct. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Learned Behaviour?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Learned Behaviour. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Learned Behaviour different from Bird Song Learning?
Learned Behaviour: Behaviour changed by experience, such as a bird learning a song. Bird Song Learning: Young songbirds memorise a tutor song and refine their own through practice, guided by brain song circuits. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Learned Behaviour step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Bird Song Learning and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.