Understanding Instincts and Learned Behaviors

Which of the following is an example of an instinct?

• A dog learning to sit on command

• A child learning to ride a bike

• A bird building a nest

• A student learning to read

Which question would best help determine if a behavior is learned or instinctual?

• Why do some animals migrate in the winter?

• How long does it take for a child to learn to walk?

• How do animals find food?

• What is the difference between a mammal and a reptile?

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Which characteristic of a dog is a learned behavior?

• Wagging its tail when excited

• Barking when it sees a stranger

• Rolling over on command

• Having fur of a certain color

A child learns to tie their shoes after watching their parent do it. This is an example of:

• An inherited trait

• A learned behavior

• An instinct

• A genetic mutation

Which of the following is an example of an acquired trait?

• Eye color

• A scar from falling off a bike

• The shape of a person's nose

• Hair texture

Which question would best help compare inherited and acquired traits?

• Why do birds have feathers?

• Can a person’s hair color change due to the sun?

• What traits are passed from parents to offspring?

• Do animals always inherit their parents' size?

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What makes an inherited trait different from a learned behavior?

• Inherited traits are passed genetically, while learned behaviors come from experience.

• Learned behaviors are passed down genetically, while inherited traits are taught.

• Both inherited traits and learned behaviors are passed down from parents.

• Both inherited traits and learned behaviors are a result of the environment.

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Which of the following is NOT an inherited trait?

• A cat’s fur pattern

• A person’s ability to roll their tongue

• A bird's ability to fly

• A person’s favorite food

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A flamingo’s pink color is primarily a result of:

• Its inherited genes

• The food it eats

• The temperature in its environment

• The amount of sunlight it gets

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Which of the following questions would best help determine if a behavior is instinctual?

• How do birds learn to sing different songs?

• Do all newborn animals cry when they are hungry?

• How do people learn to speak different languages?

• What foods do animals prefer to eat?