What does "habituation" refer to in animal behavior?

Habituation refers to the process by which an animal becomes accustomed to a stimulus after repeated exposure, leading to a decrease in its response to that stimulus. This is an essential aspect of animal behavior, as it allows animals to ignore predictable, non-threatening stimuli in their environment, conserving energy and attention for more significant threats or important interactions.

Animals may initially respond strongly to a new stimulus, such as a loud noise or a novel environmental change, but over time and with continued exposure, they may learn that the stimulus does not pose any harm. This process helps them adapt to their surroundings, and it plays a critical role in learning and survival.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of animal behavior that do not accurately reflect the concept of habituation. Teaching complex tricks involves more advanced learning and training techniques, instinctual reactions to danger relate to innate behaviors, and temporary submission during training pertains to specific training methods rather than the broader concept of habituation.