2. Species-Typical: Instinctive behaviors are also characterized by their species-typical nature, meaning that they are consistent within a species. For example, all members of a bird species will build the same type of nest, and all members of a spider species will spin the same type of web. This consistency in behavior across individuals is due to the genetic basis of instinctive behaviors.
What are two characteristics of instinctive behavior?
1. Fixed Action Pattern: Instinctive behaviors are characterized by a fixed sequence of actions that are performed in a highly stereotyped manner, with little variation. These behaviors are innate, meaning that they are present from birth and do not require learning. For example, the nest-building behavior of birds or the web-spinning behavior of spiders are both examples of fixed action patterns.