>[!abstract] >A supernormal stimulus or superstimulus is an exaggerated version of a stimulus to which there is an existing response tendency, or any stimulus that elicits a response more strongly than the stimulus for which it evolved. > >For example, it is possible to create artificial bird eggs which certain birds will prefer over their own eggs, particularly evident in brood parasitism. Some speculate humans can be similarly exploited by junk food. Organisms tend to show a preference for the stimulus properties (e.g. size, color, etc.) that have evolved in nature, but when offered an artificial exaggerated stimulus, animals will show behavior in favour of the artificial stimulus over the naturally occurring stimulus. A variety of organisms display or are susceptible to supernormal stimuli, including insects, birds, and humans. ("Supernormal stimulus", 2025). ## References - Supernormal stimulus. (2025, January 3). In *Wikipedia*. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Supernormal_stimulus&oldid=1258099216