Summary
Learning to ignore a repeated harmless stimulus.
In depth
Adaptive because animals don't waste energy on harmless stimuli. It differs from sensory adaptation or fatigue; a novel stimulus restores response (dishabituation). Aplysia gill withdrawal is a model studied by Eric Kandel.
It is the simplest form of non-associative learning. In Aplysia, repeated touch reduces neurotransmitter release at sensory-to-motor synapses, so the gill withdrawal weakens. Habituation saves energy and attention for important signals.
Key idea: it differs from fatigue because a different stimulus can still trigger a full response.
Frequently asked questions
What is Habituation?
Learning to ignore a repeated harmless stimulus.
Which area of biology covers Habituation, and how advanced is it?
Habituation is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Animal Behaviour, Play Behaviour, Learned Behaviour.
Can you give an example of Habituation?
City pigeons ignore traffic noise.
What should I learn before Habituation?
Habituation is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour that pair well with it include Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour.
What topics are related to Habituation?
The closest topics to Habituation are Animal Behaviour, Play Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, Classical Conditioning. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Habituation?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Habituation. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Habituation different from Animal Behaviour?
Habituation: Learning to ignore a repeated harmless stimulus. Animal Behaviour: Everything an animal does in response to stimuli, studied by ethology. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Habituation step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Animal Behaviour and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.