Instincts
Instincts
Instincts (/ɪnˈstɪŋkt/) are innate, fixed patterns of behavior in response to certain stimuli.
Etymology
The term "instinct" comes from the Latin instinctus, which means "impulse" or "inspiration".
Definition
Instincts are complex patterns of behavior that exist in all animals, and are thought to be innate and not learned. These behaviors are triggered by specific stimuli and are performed in the same way by all members of a species. Examples of instincts include a spider spinning a web, a bird building a nest, or a human baby sucking its thumb.
Related Terms
- Behavior: The actions or reactions of an organism in response to external or internal stimuli.
- Innate: Existing in one from birth; inborn; native.
- Stimuli: Something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.
- Species: A class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities; distinct sort or kind.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Instincts
- Wikipedia's article - Instincts
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