fixed action patterns

Fixed action patterns are instinctive, automatic behaviors that animals perform in response to specific stimuli. They are hardwired sequences of actions that typically occur the same way every time, regardless of circumstances. For example, a goose might always roll an egg back to its nest upon sighting it. These behaviors are essential for survival and unfold in a predictable, unaltered manner once triggered. They are encoded in an animal's genetic makeup and do not require learning or experience to execute.