Which term describes an inborn behavior that manifests without prior learning?

Which term describes an inborn behavior that manifests without prior learning?

• A. Learned behavior
• B. Instinct
• C. Cultural behavior
• D. Flexible behavior

Answer: (B)

Instinct is an inborn pattern of behavior that emerges without prior learning. These inherited tendencies guide species-typical actions as soon as the appropriate cues are present, often without any practice or experience. This contrasts with learned behavior, which requires experience to acquire, cultural behavior that is transmitted through social learning within a group, and flexible behavior, which can adjust based on experience. Because the item describes an innate behavior that appears without learning, instinct fits best.

Instinct is an inborn pattern of behavior that emerges without prior learning. These inherited tendencies guide species-typical actions as soon as the appropriate cues are present, often without any practice or experience. This contrasts with learned behavior, which requires experience to acquire, cultural behavior that is transmitted through social learning within a group, and flexible behavior, which can adjust based on experience. Because the item describes an innate behavior that appears without learning, instinct fits best.