What is the process called when an organism becomes less responsive to a stimulus after prolonged exposure?

The process in which an organism becomes less responsive to a stimulus after prolonged exposure is known as habituation. This phenomenon occurs when an organism is repeatedly exposed to a stimulus that is neither harmful nor rewarding, leading to a decrease in the response over time. Habituation allows organisms to focus their attention and resources on more significant stimuli in their environment, facilitating learning and adaptation without being overwhelmed by constant, non-threatening stimuli.

For example, if a loud noise occurs repeatedly without any negative consequences, an animal might initially react strongly but subsequently ignore the noise as it becomes accustomed to it. This is a crucial aspect of behavioral ecology, contributing to an organism's ability to conserve energy and enhance survival by filtering non-critical information from its sensory processes.