COVER STORY: SCIENCE
BY DEFINITION, imprinting is a form of learning. It was first described in chickens in 1516 by Sir Thomas More. A young bird reared by its own kind (this is called filial imprinting) will have all the behavioural and vocal skills to survive in the wild and interact with its own kind. It will also allow the individual to choose a mate and participate in courtship rituals.
An issue arises when that chick has been reared by a human. As it matures, it tends to treat that human being as its parent.
