What Do We Call Biologically Determined Innate Patterns Of Behavior

What Do We Call Biologically Determined Innate Patterns of Behavior? Understanding Instincts and Fixed Action Patterns

What do we call those fascinating, automatic behaviors animals—and even humans—exhibit seemingly without learning? These are biologically determined innate patterns of behavior, often driven by genetics and ingrained from birth. Understanding these behaviors requires exploring the concepts of instincts and fixed action patterns. This article delves into the intricacies of these innate behavioral responses and their significance in the animal kingdom.

Many terms are used to describe these automatic behaviors, but the most commonly used and accurate descriptions are instincts and fixed action patterns (FAPs). While related, they have subtle differences.

Instincts: The Broader Concept

Instinct, in its broadest sense, refers to a complex, innate behavioral pattern. It's a pre-programmed response triggered by specific stimuli, often crucial for survival and reproduction. These behaviors aren't learned; they're present from birth or emerge during development without prior experience. Think of a newborn baby's rooting reflex—the automatic turning of the head towards a touch on the cheek, facilitating breastfeeding. This is a classic example of an instinct, a complex behavior crucial for survival. Other examples include:

• Migration: Birds migrating thousands of miles to their breeding grounds each year.
• Hibernation: Bears entering a state of dormancy during winter months.
• Nest building: Birds instinctively constructing nests to raise their young.
• Mate selection: Animals exhibiting specific courtship behaviors to attract partners of the same species.

These behaviors are often characterized by their complexity and their contribution to the animal's overall fitness. While they might be refined by experience, the fundamental behavioral pattern is innate.

Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs): The Specific Response

Fixed action patterns are a more specific type of innate behavior. They are stereotyped, meaning they follow a rigid sequence of actions, almost like a pre-programmed script. Once initiated by a specific stimulus (a releaser or sign stimulus), the FAP runs to completion, even if the stimulus is removed. This characteristic distinguishes FAPs from learned behaviors, which are flexible and adaptable.

A classic example is the egg-retrieval behavior in geese. If a goose's egg rolls out of its nest, the goose will automatically retrieve it using a specific sequence of movements, regardless of whether the egg is actually present. Even if the egg is removed mid-retrieval, the goose will still complete the entire sequence of movements. Other examples include:

• Yawning: While not strictly a survival-based behavior in the same way as egg retrieval, yawning is often considered an FAP due to its stereotyped and automatic nature.
• Sneezing: A reflexive response to irritants in the nasal passage.
• Suckling: The instinctive behavior of newborn mammals to suckle from their mothers' nipples.

It's important to note that while FAPs are relatively inflexible, environmental factors can influence their expression or timing.

The Interplay Between Instincts and FAPs

While distinct, instincts and fixed action patterns are closely related. FAPs can be considered components of larger, more complex instinctual behaviors. For instance, the egg-retrieval behavior is a part of the larger instinct of parental care in geese. Many instincts are composed of multiple FAPs and other behavioral elements.

The Importance of Studying Innate Behaviors

Understanding innate behaviors provides crucial insights into the evolutionary history of species and the mechanisms of heredity and development. Studying instincts and FAPs helps us understand how animals adapt to their environments and how behavior contributes to their survival and reproductive success. Furthermore, it sheds light on the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping animal, and even human, behavior. Research in this field continues to reveal fascinating details about the intricate programming of behavior, shaping our understanding of the biological foundations of life.