The descent of instinct.

Abstract

The instinct concept has survived for almost 2500 years in almost complete absence of empirical validation because it has served logical purposes. It was convenient in differentiating immortal man from animals and was utilized in early Darwinian theorizing. Though behavior is known to vary with the genotype, the relation is not necessarily causal. For example, research concerning audiogenic seizures in mice has shown that the fetal period may be crucial. Evaluation of alleged instinctive behavior will not be sound if it rests upon the assumption that behavior is either acquired or inherited.