Karl Groos

Karl Groos was a German philosopher and psychologist best known for his work on animal behavior and development. He proposed that young animals are born with innate instincts that guide their early actions, such as birds pecking or kittens pouncing, which are essential for survival. Groos believed these instinctive behaviors develop through a combination of inherited tendencies and experience, laying the foundation for learning. His research helped bridge understanding between innate biological instincts and environmental influences, emphasizing that both play a crucial role in the growth and adaptation of animals and humans alike.