A zoo keeps a group of parrots in a large aviary. Fig. 1 shows two enrichment devices added for 20 days: a puzzle box containing seeds and branches that can...
Question 1 Report
A zoo keeps a group of parrots in a large aviary. Fig. 1 shows two enrichment devices added for 20 days: a puzzle box containing seeds and branches that can be stripped of bark. Keepers record the time spent feather-plucking before and after enrichment.
(a) Describe how the puzzle box may change the parrots' daily behaviour. [2]
(b) Suggest why reduced feather-plucking may indicate improved welfare. [2]
(c) Use the information to suggest one measurement the keepers should make before adding the devices. [1]
A trainer uses a clicker while teaching a rescue dog to touch a target with its nose. Fig. 1 shows the sequence used in each training session. Food is given immediately after the click.
(a) Name the type of learning shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe how the food reward changes the likelihood of the dog touching the target again. [2]
(c) Suggest why the food should be given immediately after the click. [2]
Answer Details
Parrots: (a) The puzzle box encourages more time searching for and manipulating food [1], leaving less time for inactive or repetitive behaviour [1].
(b) Feather-plucking can be a sign of stress or boredom [1]. A lower rate suggests the birds are less stressed or more stimulated, indicating improved welfare [1].
(c) Measure time spent feather-plucking before enrichment, providing a baseline rate for comparison [1].
Dog: (a) This is operant conditioning [1].
(b) Food is a reward, or positive reinforcement [1], so the dog is more likely to repeat target-touching [1].
(c) Immediate food helps the dog associate the click and target-touching behaviour with reward [1]. With a delay, it may associate food with a different behaviour [1].
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