How does learned behavior differ from instinctive behavior?

Study for the Animal Behavior and Restraint Test. Prepare with practice questions, flashcards, hints, and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and get ready to excel in your exam!

Learned behavior is characterized by its adaptability and flexibility, which allows animals to change their responses based on experiences and interactions with their environment. This type of behavior is acquired through observation, practice, or conditioning, meaning that it can vary widely among individuals based on their unique experiences. In contrast, instinctive behavior is innate, meaning it is hardwired into an animal’s biology and does not change with experience. Instincts are often essential for survival and reproduction, and they are generally consistent across species.

Therefore, the distinction lies in the adaptiveness of learned behavior compared to the fixed nature of instinctive behavior. This ability to adapt based on environmental influences is what differentiates learned behavior from instinctive behavior, making option A the correct choice.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy