What does an instinctive mean?

Definition of instinctive

1 : of, relating to, or being instinct. 2 : prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously an instinctive fear of innovation— V. L. Parrington.

What is instinctive example?

The Power of Instinctive Behaviors

Examples of this include a dog shaking after it gets wet, a sea turtle seeking out the ocean after hatching, or a bird migrating before the winter season. Ethologist Konrad Lorenz famously demonstrated the power of instincts when he was able to get young geese to imprint on him.

What is the difference between instinctive and innate?

Innate behaviors do not have to be learned or practiced. They are also called instinctive behaviors. An instinct is the ability of an animal to perform a behavior the first time it is exposed to the proper stimulus. For example, a dog will drool the first time—and every time—it is exposed to food.

What are three examples of instinctive?

The following behaviors are examples of innate behaviors:

  • Web making in spiders.
  • Nest building in birds.
  • Fighting among male stickleback fish.
  • Cocoon spinning in insects such as moths.
  • Swimming in dolphins and other aquatic species.

What is instinctive behavior?

People often use the terms “instinctive” or “innate” to describe behaviours that are not learned, i.e. behaviours you already know how to do for the first time. Instinctive behaviours are important for promoting the survival of your genes and thereby your species.