Summary
An inborn pattern of behaviour triggered by a particular stimulus.
In depth
Instinct is not purely fixed: learning often fine-tunes it. The innate releasing mechanism concept proposes a specific stimulus triggers a behaviour.
Tinbergen's work showed that instinct includes motivation (internal drive), a releaser (external trigger) and a consummatory act. The same trigger may work only when the animal is in the right physiological state, such as hungry or in breeding season.
Common mistake: confusing instinct with reflex; instincts are complex sequences, reflexes are simple.
Frequently asked questions
What is Instinct?
An inborn pattern of behaviour triggered by a particular stimulus.
Which area of biology covers Instinct, and how advanced is it?
Instinct is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Fixed Action Patterns, Innate Behaviour, Animal Behaviour.
Can you give an example of Instinct?
Baby turtles head toward the sea after hatching without being taught.
What should I learn before Instinct?
Instinct is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour that pair well with it include Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour.
What topics are related to Instinct?
The closest topics to Instinct are Fixed Action Patterns, Innate Behaviour, Animal Behaviour, Classical Conditioning. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Instinct?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Instinct. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Instinct different from Fixed Action Patterns?
Instinct: An inborn pattern of behaviour triggered by a particular stimulus. Fixed Action Patterns: Stereotyped behaviours triggered by a sign stimulus and carried through to completion, like the stickleback's attack on a red belly. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Instinct?
Confusing instinct with reflex; instincts are complex sequences, reflexes are simple.
How should I study Instinct step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fixed Action Patterns and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.