Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
06:33
Probing the Roles of Physical Forces in Early Chick Embryonic Morphogenesis
Published on: June 5, 2018
The dynamics of development and evolution: insights from behavioral embryology
1Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA. licklite@fiu.edu
Developmental Psychobiology
|November 21, 2007
Summary
Prenatal experiences shape species-typical behaviors. Gilbert Gottlieb's research demonstrated how prenatal sensory input influences perception and learning in young birds, impacting development and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Ethology
- Psychobiology
Background:
- Zing-Yang Kuo first proposed prenatal influences on behavior.
- Gilbert Gottlieb extensively researched and supported this concept over decades.
- Understanding prenatal experience's role in development is ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Gottlieb's research on prenatal influences on species-typical behavior.
- To highlight how prenatal sensory experiences shape development in precocial birds.
- To explore the link between developmental and evolutionary change.
Main Methods:
- Review of Gilbert Gottlieb's psychobiological research.
- Analysis of studies on duckling species identification.
- Examination of prenatal sensory experience and self-stimulation effects.
Main Results:
- Prenatal sensory patterns guide and constrain attention, perception, learning, and memory.
- Recurring prenatal experiences are crucial for species-typical behaviors.
- Organism development and ecology mutually influence behavior.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal experience is a significant factor in the development of species-typical behaviors.
- Gottlieb's work provides a foundation for understanding developmental and evolutionary links.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate prenatal developmental pathways.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Evolutionary Psychology
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
02:19Morphogenesis
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.