Abstract
LORENZ1 has provided a wealth of data and analysis to show that many instinctive acts in birds are ‘released’ not by the external situation as a whole, but by some characteristic part of it. This greatly assists in explaining the evolution of plumage patterns and rhythmical movements in display in birds, particularly with regard to their ‘improbable’ and specific nature.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Lorenz, K., J. Orn., 83, 137–213, 289–413 (1938); Auk, 54, 245–273 (1937).
Lack, D., Proc. Zool. Soc., A, 109, 200–216 (1939).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
LACK, D. The Releaser Concept in Bird Behaviour. Nature 145, 107–108 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1038/145107a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/145107a0
- Springer Nature Limited