What does twilight imprinting mean?
What does twilight imprinting mean
Pronunciation
/ˈtwɪlaɪt ɪmˈprɪntɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A phenomenon in which a young animal, typically a bird, forms a strong bond with the first moving object it encounters, often leading to imprinting on an unrelated species or object.
Examples
- The duckling imprinted on the researcher, following her around the lab.
- Twilight imprinting can lead to confusion in young animals, causing them to mistakenly identify predators as their caregivers.
Synonyms
- Imprinting
- Entraining
Antonyms
- Parent-offspring recognition
- Species-specific behavior
Additional Information
Twilight imprinting is a critical period in an animal’s life, during which it is most susceptible to imprinting. This phenomenon is often observed in birds, but can also occur in other species. Imprinting can have significant consequences for the animal’s behavior, socialization, and even survival.
Studies have shown that twilight imprinting can be influenced by various factors, including lighting conditions, auditory cues, and olfactory stimuli. Researchers continue to explore the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, seeking to better understand its role in animal development and behavior.
Etymology
The term “twilight imprinting” originates from the concept of imprinting, first described by Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz in the 1930s. Lorenz observed that young geese would imprint on the first moving object they encountered, leading to their instinctual following behavior.
Usage Notes
Twilight imprinting is often used in biological and psychological contexts to describe the process of imprinting in young animals. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the process of forming strong bonds or attachments in humans.
Cultural References
Twilight imprinting has been depicted in various forms of media, including films, literature, and documentaries. For example, the movie “Fly Away Home” features a young goose imprinting on a human character.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
- Imprinting
- Entraining
- Precocial behavior
Collocations
- Twilight imprinting on a parent figure
- Twilight imprinting in birds
- Twilight imprinting and social behavior
Frequency of Use
Twilight imprinting is a relatively specialized term, primarily used in scientific and academic contexts. Its frequency of use is moderate in these communities, but low in general language usage.
Common Misspellings
- Twilight impringting
- Twilight impringing
- Twilight emprinting