What is the term for rapid learning that occurs during a critical period shortly after birth or hatching?

The term for rapid learning that occurs during a critical period shortly after birth or hatching is imprinting. Imprinting is a form of learning that happens in a specific time frame, typically shortly after an animal's arrival in the world. During this period, the young animal forms attachments and learns essential behaviors necessary for survival, such as recognizing their caregiver or learning species-specific behaviors.

This process is crucial in many species, particularly in birds, where chicks learn to identify and follow their parents. For example, if a duckling is exposed to a moving object shortly after hatching, it may imprint on that object, believing it to be its mother. This phenomenon underscores the importance of these early moments in shaping an animal's social and survival skills.

In contrast, conditioning refers to a different learning process that involves associating a neutral stimulus with a significant one over time. Habituation is characterized by a decrease in response to a repetitive, non-functional stimulus, while exploration refers to the behavior of investigating new environments or situations. These concepts are distinct from imprinting in timing and mechanisms, as they do not necessarily occur in a critical period after birth.