AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A well-studied example of a fixed action pattern occurs in ground-nesting water birds, like greylag geese. If a female greylag goose’s egg rolls out of her nest, she will instinctively use her bill to push the egg back into the nest in a series of very stereotyped, predictable, movements.

Detailed explanation-2: -A fixed action pattern is an ethological term describing an instinctive behavioral sequence that is highly stereotyped and species-characteristic. Fixed action patterns are said to be produced by the innate releasing mechanism, a “hard-wired” neural network, in response to a sign/key stimulus or releaser.

Detailed explanation-3: -For example, a newborn infant will reflexively grab on to any object that is tendered. Studies have also demonstrated that babies will instinctively grab on to a rope to avoid falling. In addition, newborns have been found to grasp hair more firmly than other objects.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fixed Action Patterns are sequences of innate behavior that are often performed in a seemingly fixed and stereotypical manner of all members of a species. They are triggered by a cue in the environment. Scientists sometimes call this cue a key stimulus or sign stimulus.