Summary:
- Behaviors that are closely controlled by genes with little or no environmental influence are called innate behaviors.
- Innate behaviors do not have to be learned or practiced.
- An instinct is the ability of an animal to perform a behavior the first time it is exposed to the proper stimulus.
- Innate behaviors usually involve basic life functions, such as finding food or caring for offspring.
- If an animal were to perform such important behaviors incorrectly, it would be less likely to survive or reproduce.
- These innate behaviors are necessary for survival or reproduction.