Birds reared in isolation have been known to build nests, even if they have never seen another bird building a nest, or a nest itself. These built-in, instinctive behaviors are referred to by ethologists as
A) fixed action patterns.
B) learned behavioral tendencies.
C) survival mechanisms.
D) reflexes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fixed action patterns are complex, instinctive behaviors that occur in animals, even without prior learning or experience. Birds building nests without having seen one before is a classic example of such innate behaviors.

Birds Reared in Isolation Have Been Known to Build Nests