What are fixed action patterns?

• A. Learned sequences that can be modified by training.
• B. Fixed action patterns are innate behaviors triggered by cues and completed once initiated.
• C. Specific examples of innate or phylogenetic behavior. A particular trigger is needed to start the behavior. Once begun it completes.
• D. Social bonding patterns only.

Answer: (C)

Fixed action patterns are instinctive, highly stereotyped sequences of behavior that are inherited and characteristic of a species. They are elicited by a specific cue, often called a sign stimulus, and once initiated they run to completion regardless of changes in the environment. This combination—innate (phylogenetic) origin, triggered by a particular cue, and completed once begun—makes them distinct from learned behaviors and from more flexible, non-fixed responses.

For example, a goose will roll an egg back toward its nest after seeing an egg outside the nest; the sequence unfolds to completion even if the egg is displaced. This illustrates that FAPs are specific examples of innate behavior, initiated by a trigger, and carried through to finish.