How does stress affect an animal's ability to respond?

Stress has a significant impact on an animal's cognitive functions, and cognitive suppression accurately describes the effects of stress on their ability to respond. When animals are under stress, their brain's ability to process information and make decisions can become impaired. This can lead to a decreased ability to learn, remember, and perform tasks, making them less responsive to commands or environmental cues. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can inhibit cognitive processes, leading to difficulties in problem-solving and reduced attention span.

In contrast, cognitive enhancement would imply that stress improves mental acuity, which is not the case. Increased responsiveness could suggest that stress makes an animal more reactive, but this does not necessarily translate to improved communication or understanding. Lastly, improved communication would typically rely on cognitive clarity and comfort, which stress undermines. Hence, cognitive suppression is the most accurate reflection of stress's negative influence on an animal's ability to respond effectively.