Question: i think it's extroardinary how animals can adapt to suit their natural surroundings. i want to be a vet so please could you explain that process in more detail? thanks

Indi Ghangrekar answered on 15 Mar 2012:

Hi splickythecat, it’s great that you know what you want to do! I also think it is really extraordinary how animals behave and adapt. Usually, in their natural surroundings, they do not have to adapt much as their bodies are suited to their natural surroundings. There has to be some learning of the environment though and this is different in different animals. Some things seem to be innate meaning the brain pathways that control some behaviours seem to be formed at birth ready to carry out that function. An example of an innate behaviour would be suckling on the mother’s breast. Other behaviours are learnt, like bird flight for example. Some types of geese, as soon as they hatch from an egg, imprint on the first creature they see – so if they see a person rather than the mama goose, they’ll think the person is their mother! I think there’s a film about that. Animal behaviour is a huge topic though and I’m sure you’ll learn more about it at vet school or if you get some work experience with a vet! Good luck!