Question

Researcher Konrad Lorenz explored the concept of __________ by establishing himself as the first moving thing a clutch of newly hatched goslings saw. The result, as he predicted, was that the young animals followed him around religiously, clearly demonstrating their belief that he was their mother.

Answer 1

imprinting

Explanation:

Konrad Lorenz is referred to as the father of ethology (the study of animal behavior), and has established the concept of imprinting.

Imprinting is described as a critical period in an animal's life when they form attachment and develop their identity. Through imprinting, a bond is developed between the caregiver and the newly born animal. Mammals and birds tend to imprint naturally by birth to their mother or caregiver. Animals gain a sense of species identification through imprinting.