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Instinctive behavior |
Also found in: Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.03 sec. |
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Instinctive behavior A relatively complex response pattern which is usually present in one or both sexes of a given species. These responses have a genetic basis, are essentially unlearned, and are generally adaptive. Instinctive behavior occurs when an animal has a particular internal state while it is in the presence of a specific external stimulation called a releaser or a sign stimulus. Neither the internal state nor the external stimulus alone is adequate for the elicitation of the response. Many animals show particular instinctive behaviors only during the mating season, when hormonal changes associated with sexual behavior sensitize specific portions of the central nervous system, which will then be active in the presence of the releaser. The external stimulus may be relatively simple or incredibly complex. Within limits, the instinctive behaviors can be modified by learning. There is evidence, for example, that some predators learn to attack their prey at the back of the neck because when held in that position the prey cannot counterattack. See Migratory behavior, Reproductive behavior How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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``The problem in our world,'' he said, ``is that man has altered his environment at a rate so far exceeding the development of the changes in his instinctive behavior and his intuitive reactions, he is now the victim of his own so-called successes. We find this instinctive behavior in government affairs, educational problem solving and business. Singer asserts that in times of pressure, when the stakes are high, one of two things will happen; People will be transformed to greatness or they will revert to instinctive behaviors, which may not be in the best interests of others. |
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