How do innate behaviors differ from learned behaviors?

Innate behaviors are biologically determined, meaning they are hardwired in an organism’s genetics and do not require environmental influence or learning experiences to develop. These behaviors are typically exhibited consistently across members of a species and are crucial for survival or reproduction. Examples include reflexes, instinctual actions, and fixed action patterns, all of which occur without previous experience.

In contrast, learned behaviors arise from interactions with the environment and are shaped by experiences. They can change over time and improve with practice. Because learned behaviors depend on experiences rather than being pre-determined by biology, they are variable among individuals and can be modified as conditions change.

The understanding of these distinctions is crucial in developmental psychology, as it helps clarify how behavior can be influenced by both genetics and environment throughout an individual's life.