A genetic capacity to learn, combined with actual experiences in the environment, shapes most forms of behavior. Use the example of songbird's learning their song to demonstrate the role of imprinting and environment on learning.

A male songbird has an inborn capacity to recognize his species' song when he hears older males singing it. The young male uses these overheard songs as a model for his own song. Males reared with no model or exposed only to songs of other species often sing a simplified version of their species' song. This behavior is due to imprinting, the form of learning that occurs during a genetically determined time period early in life.
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Many birds can only learn the details of their species specific song during a limited period early in life. To learn the full version of a species song, songbirds must hear a male tutor singing. Songbirds must also have the chance to practice the song to learn it.