Innate behavior

Innate Behavior

Innate behavior (pronunciation: /ɪˈneɪt biːˈheɪvjər/), also known as instinctive behavior, refers to the behaviors that are performed by an organism without prior experience or training. These behaviors are genetically programmed and are performed in response to certain stimuli. The term "innate" comes from the Latin word "innatus", which means "inborn" or "natural".

Etymology

The term "innate" is derived from the Latin word "innatus", which means "inborn" or "natural". The term "behavior" comes from the Old French "behaivior", which means "conduct, demeanor".

Related Terms

• Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
• Stimulus: Any object or event that elicits a sensory or behavioral response in an organism.
• Reflex: An automatic and rapid response to a stimulus, which is not under conscious control.
• Fixed action pattern: A sequence of unlearned acts that is essentially unchangeable and, once initiated, is usually carried to completion.
• Instinct: An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.

See Also

• Learned behavior
• Behavioral genetics
• Ethology

External Links

• Innate Behavior - National Geographic
• Innate Behavior - Britannica

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