Behaviors that are not learned are called innate behaviors. These are behaviors that are present from birth and do not require any prior experience or training. Innate behaviors are often essential for survival and are usually triggered by specific stimuli in the environment.
Here are some examples of innate behaviors:
- Reflexes: These are automatic, involuntary responses to specific stimuli. Examples include the knee-jerk reflex and the sucking reflex in babies.
- Taxis: These are movements towards or away from a stimulus. For instance, a moth flying towards a light is an example of positive phototaxis.
- Kinesis: This is a random movement in response to a stimulus, not directed towards or away from it. For example, a cockroach scurrying away from a light is an example of kinesis.
- Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs): These are complex, unlearned sequences of behaviors that are triggered by specific stimuli called "releasers." Examples include the egg-retrieval behavior in geese and the courtship displays of some birds.
Innate behaviors are often crucial for survival, enabling animals to find food, avoid predators, reproduce, and maintain their well-being without having to learn these behaviors through trial and error.
