The Attributes of Instinct

Abstract

Ethologists contrasted central (fixed action pattern) and peripheral (taxic) control of motor coordination. Central control was convincingly demonstrated. However, there is no hard and fast rule that all peripherally controlled patterns are "acquired" and centrally determined patterns hereditary. Also the stereotypy of behavior is not always an indication of its central control. There are several ways of producing stereotyped motor outputs. Each individual case must be analyzed in its own right. Behavior is defined as spontaneous when it occurs without known stimuli, these being environmental changes which alter the state of the organism. Temporal patterns of behavior occurring independently of external timing cues are well documented. The most important question is whether or not particular patterns of motor coordination or sensory function develop as the result of specific interactions between animal and environment. Some motor patterns and sensory functions are known to develop without such interactions. Although the operationally defined properties of instinct can be demonstrated, they cannot ensure consistent classification of behavior, since they are not always mutually inclusive.