What are innate behaviors?

Innate behaviors refer to actions and responses that are biologically hardwired and present at birth, indicating that they do not require any prior learning or experience for expression. These behaviors are typically instinctual and can be observed across various species, including humans. Common examples include reflexes like grasping or sucking in infants, which are essential for survival.

The distinction lies in the fact that innate behaviors are difficult to modify since they are genetically programmed and often universal within a species. This contrasts with behaviors influenced by social learning or environmental factors, which are learned through experience, observation, or interaction with others. Innate behaviors are crucial for understanding developmental psychology, especially in the context of how genetics and biology influence behavior from a very early age.