What is instinctive behavior?

Instinctive behavior refers to actions that are innate and occur naturally without the need for prior learning or experience. This means that certain behaviors are "hardwired" into an animal's genetic makeup and are usually performed in response to specific stimuli in the environment. For example, a bird building a nest or a sea turtle making its way to the ocean shortly after hatching are both examples of instinctive behaviors.

This type of behavior is typically essential for the survival of the species and can be observed across various animals, demonstrating their biological programming rather than learned through interaction with their surroundings. In contrast, other types of behaviors, such as learned behaviors or those modified by rewards, involve experience and adaptation to particular situations, making them distinct from instinctive behaviors.