1. behavior that is learned and elicited via positive or negative reinforcement of target (rather than instinctive) responses. The term is used synonymously with operant behavior, usually for describing behavior during conditioning procedures that involves long sequences of activity, such as solving a puzzle box.

2. actions that directly affect or manage the behavior of others. Among nonhuman animals, for example, a subordinate adult may engage in infantile behavior to inhibit others’ threatening or aggressive actions. Some animals use alarm calls to distract other group members so they can make use of a valued resource without interference.