Beavers reared in isolation have been known to build dams, even if they have never seen either a dam or another beaver build a dam. What term do ethologists use to refer to these built-in, instinctive behaviours?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fixed action patterns are sequences of unlearned acts directly linked to a simple stimulus. These behaviors are instinctive and not learned from observing others, which explains why isolated beavers can build dams without prior exposure.

Beavers Reared in Isolation Have Been Known to Build Dams