Final answer:
The action that would not activate mirror neurons is when an animal knows a familiar action is being performed behind a non-transparent wall, as mirror neurons require sensory stimuli to activate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that would NOT activate mirror neurons is C. An animal knowing a familiar action is being performed behind a non-transparent wall. Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that fires both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another. These neurons are believed to play a role in understanding others' actions and in learning new skills through imitation.
Option A, watching someone perform a familiar action, and option B, watching an unfamiliar action, would likely stimulate mirror neurons, as these scenarios involve visual observation of actions, which typically activates the mirror neuron system. Option D, visualizing a sports game, may also activate mirror neurons as imagining an action can trigger a similar neurological response to actually performing the action.
However, in option C, simply knowing an action is taking place without visual or auditory cues does not provide the necessary sensory stimuli for mirror neurons to activate. Additionally, animals such as wolves and monkeys engage in observational learning, learning skills by observing others, further indicating the importance of mirror neurons in social learning.