Do Animals Have Instinctive Reactions?

In summary, animals, including humans, have instinctual behaviors when stimulated. This can be seen in newborn mammals, who instinctively suckle for milk when hungry. Humans, despite being at the top of the evolutionary ladder, still exhibit instinctual behaviors, such as crying when uncomfortable or holding their breath in water. This is evidence that instinct plays a role in our behavior, even from a young age.
  • #1
Drimar
26
0
A Very basic and simple thing I don't know for sure: Would you please tell me if an animal(including men) has instinct behaviors when itis stimulated ? Thank you
 
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  • #2
?? :confused: :confused:
 
  • #3
How about when a newborn mammal (including humans) suckles a nipple for the first time to drink milk. That isn't taught, it's instinctual. Stimulation? .. hunger.
 
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  • #5
Animals have a whole array of instinctual behaviour. It's harder as you go up the evolutionary misnomed ladder because young start off with fewer instincts and learn more. Humans are the worst of the lot.

But they do have instincts, even newborn:
- as Quabache points out: suckling is one.
- their hands will grip if something is placed in them
- they will cry when hungry or uncomfortable
- if you are holding a baby properly and you let its head drop, its arms will fling upwards in a instinctual "save the head" move
- they will hold their breath and swim when immersed in water
etc.
 
  • #6
Drimar said:
A Very basic and simple thing I don't know for sure: Would you please tell me if an animal(including men) has instinct behaviors when itis stimulated ? Thank you
Of course! Nobody has taught to a baby that it must cry to get its needs met.

For a less trivial example: it has been shown that newborn chicks would be scared and run for safety when shown the shapes of birds of prey whereas they would not if shown shapes of non threatening birds. Somehow, the fear of a bird of prey is hard wired in their brains.
 

1. What are instinctive reactions in animals?

Instinctive reactions in animals are innate, automatic behaviors that are present at birth and do not require learning or conscious thought. They are often essential for survival and can include actions such as mating, fighting, and finding food.

2. How do animals develop instinctive reactions?

Instinctive reactions in animals are mostly inherited through genetics. They are passed down from parents to offspring and are shaped by natural selection over generations.

3. Do all animals have instinctive reactions?

Yes, all animals have instinctive reactions to some extent. However, the complexity and range of these reactions can vary greatly between species. For example, insects have a wide range of instinctive behaviors, while higher mammals like primates have a more complex and varied range of instinctive reactions.

4. Can instinctive reactions be modified?

In some cases, instinctive reactions can be modified through learning or environmental influences. For example, some animals can learn to associate certain stimuli with a certain response, overriding their innate instincts. However, the core of instinctive reactions remains largely unchanged.

5. How are instinctive reactions different from learned behaviors?

Instinctive reactions are innate and do not require learning or conscious thought, while learned behaviors are acquired through experience and can vary greatly between individuals. Additionally, instinctive reactions are often essential for survival, while learned behaviors may not be necessary for an animal's survival.

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