Imprinting

     Only hours after an animal is born, they begin to develop an extremely close bond with the animal they first meet. Not only does this involve the animal's parents, as research has shown animals become socially bonded to whoever they may see first. This term is called imprinting, where an animal attaches to the first thing it sees upon hatching. The idea of imprinting is a fascinating part of development. With it, species would avoid confusion and loss of identification. Imprinting is a crucial part of development as we must seek praise and guidance from a higher authority. 

    In the 1930s, zoologist Konrad Lorenz became deeply interested in early social attachment. Lorenz was the perfect candidate to test this as newly hatched goslings would follow the first moving object they saw, this being Lorenz himself. These ducklings developed a social bond with Lorenz, resulting in a half dozen waddling ducks following him around. 

 Imprinting is a form of learning. As animals and humans try to understand their species' identity, they seek a figure to look up to. Once this is done, they can identify with that species for life. This concept holds extreme importance in the early development of any species. Imprinting paves the road, determining how the species will live and manage survival in their environment. 

 

1930s, Lorenz followed by geese that have imprinted on him
Faye, C. (2011, December). Lessons from bird brains. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/imprinting

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