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when sami tried to shape her pet squirrels behavior to fetch marbles in the backyard things proceeded quite smoothly at first then the squirrel started vburying the marbles rather than brnging them to her this behavior pattern is likely

User Jung Rhew
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The squirrel's behavior of burying the marbles instead of fetching them is an example of instinctive behavior, specifically related to the squirrel's natural instinct to store food. Understanding an animal's instincts can help shape their behavior more effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior pattern of the squirrel burying the marbles instead of bringing them back to Sami is an example of instinctive behavior. Instinctive behavior is innate and does not require learning or training. In this case, the squirrel's natural instinct to bury objects, which is common in squirrels, overrode the learned behavior of fetching the marbles.

This behavior is likely due to the squirrel's evolutionary adaptation to store food for future use. Squirrels are known to bury nuts and other food items to create a food stash that they can rely on during periods of scarcity. This burying behavior is deeply ingrained in their instincts, and when presented with an object similar to food, such as a marble, they will often perform the same burying action.

By understanding the natural instincts of animals, we can better shape their behaviors and work with their innate inclinations. In this case, it would be more effective for Sami to focus on behaviors that align with the squirrel's natural instincts, such as training it to find and bury objects in specific locations.

User Vhoyer
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