How can environmental modifications potentially impact animal behavior?

Environmental modifications can significantly influence animal behavior by creating settings that align with the natural instincts and needs of the animal. When the environment is tailored to provide appropriate stimuli, enrichment, and comfort, it can promote desirable behaviors such as play, exploration, and social interaction.

For instance, providing a variety of substrates, hiding places, and enrichment objects can encourage animals to engage in natural behaviors that are essential for their well-being. Such modifications can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved overall health and increased positive interactions with both their environment and human caregivers. By fostering a stimulating environment, animals are more likely to exhibit behaviors that are beneficial for their development and adjustment to captivity or managed care situations.

In this context, the other choices reflect outcomes that are generally detrimental to an animal's well-being or do not directly relate to the purpose of enhancing positive behaviors through environmental changes.