What is the difference between an instinct and a learned behavior?
Instinct is innate. A human or animal has instincts by nature.
Learned behavior is just that -- learned. It's not something innate, but taught and learned later.
http://www.google.com/search?q=instinct+%26+learned+behavior&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
To understand the difference between instinct and learned behavior, we need to comprehend their definitions.
Instinct: Instincts are innate behavioral patterns that are present in an organism from birth. They are often automatic and do not require conscious thought or learning. Instincts are typically present in animals and are genetically programmed responses to specific stimuli.
Learned Behavior: Learned behavior, on the other hand, is acquired through experience and education. It is based on an organism's ability to adapt to its environment by learning from past situations. This type of behavior is not present at birth but develops over time as the organism interacts with its surroundings.
Now, let's discuss how to identify the difference between the two:
1. Origin: Instinctual behavior arises naturally and does not require external influences. Learned behavior, however, develops as a result of experience and exposure to the environment.
2. Timeframe: Instinctual behavior is often present from birth, whereas learned behavior is acquired over time through observation, trial and error, and training.
3. Conscious effort: Instincts occur without conscious thought or effort. They are automatic responses triggered by specific stimuli. Learned behavior, on the other hand, requires conscious effort, attention, and cognitive processing.
4. Adaptability: Instincts are less adaptable and less flexible because they are genetically programmed and have evolved over generations to ensure the survival of a species. Conversely, learned behavior allows organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions and can be modified or adjusted based on new information.
Examples:
Instinct: A bird building a nest without prior experience, salmon returning to their birthplace for spawning, or a newborn baby sucking for nourishment.
Learned Behavior: Riding a bicycle, driving a car, playing a musical instrument, solving puzzles, or speaking a language. These behaviors are acquired through practice, observation, and instruction.
By understanding the definitions and characteristics of both instinct and learned behavior, you can identify and differentiate between them in various situations.