Innate Behaviour

Innate behavior is inherited through DNA and is instinctive, intrinsic, stereotypical, inflexible, and consummate. It is fully developed at birth and does not require learning. Examples include a spider spinning a web and a baby suckling. Lagerspetz's experiment with aggressive mice demonstrated a genetic basis for such behavior. While innate behavior is influenced by genes, environmental factors can also play a role. The five key characteristics of innate behavior are heritability, intrinsic nature, stereotypic performance, inflexibility, and consummate development.

What is an example of innate behavior that is present from birth?

• A spider spinning a web

• A cat chasing a laser pointer

• A bird singing a song

• A dog learning to fetch

How does innate behavior benefit a species over time?

• It can be easily modified

• It is always environmentally influenced

• It is subject to natural selection

• It allows for rapid learning

What did Lagerspetz's experiment with mice demonstrate about innate behavior?

• Innate behavior can be altered by training

• Innate behavior is not influenced by genes

• Innate behavior has a genetic basis

• Innate behavior is solely determined by the environment

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of innate behavior?

• Heritable

• Consummate

• Stereotypic

• Flexible

What does it mean for a behavior to be consummate?

• It requires practice to perfect

• It is learned over time

• It is fully developed at first performance

• It changes with experience