Final answer:
The light in this scenario acts as an external cue for the cat, as it has learned to associate pressing the lever with turning on the light (operant conditioning). The autonomic system's role in regulating the amount of light that hits the retina is an example of a homeostatic reflex mechanism within a biological system. The correct option is d. external cue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of the cat's motivation, the light serves as a d. external cue. This is because the light is a stimulus or signal that the cat has learned to use to achieve a certain outcome—it's not satisfying a physiological need or providing a reward in itself like food (primary motive) would, but is rather something the cat uses to guide behavior.
The process represented by the diagram of the cat learning to press a lever is best termed as c. operant conditioning. In operant conditioning, an animal or human learns to associate a voluntary behavior with a consequence, like a reward or punishment. The cat is displaying a learned behavior by pressing the lever to gain the desired outcome of turning on the light.
The autonomic system plays a critical role in the homeostatic reflex mechanism, controlling how much light hits the retina to maintain a balance within the biological system. This is an example of homeostasis, where the body attempts to maintain a stable internal environment. The correct option is d. external cue.