[Campbell Biology P.1194] According to the "WHAT IF?" scenario for Figure 51.7, if young gray... | Practice Question

According to the "WHAT IF?" scenario for Figure 51.7, if young graylag geese imprinted on a human were bred to each other, how might their imprinting behavior affect their offspring?

  • A: The offspring would automatically imprint on humans, inheriting the behavior.
  • B: The offspring would likely imprint on geese, as genetic predispositions would override parental imprinting on humans.
  • C: The offspring might exhibit abnormal social or reproductive behaviors, potentially attempting to mate with humans or failing to recognize their own species as mates.
  • D: The offspring would learn to avoid humans due to their parents' unusual imprinting behavior.

Explanation

Imprinting is a form of learning that occurs during a critical period and establishes a long-lasting behavioral response to a particular individual or object. If geese imprint on humans, they may later direct courtship or social behaviors towards humans, leading to reproductive isolation or failure to mate within their own species. Their offspring would then imprint based on their own early exposure, potentially on the human-imprinted parents, continuing the cycle of maladaptive behavior.