Some animal species are limited to a repertoire of genetically determined
behaviors; others have more complex brains and can learn a wide variety
of behaviors. All behavior is affected by both inheritance and experience.
NSES Content Standard C
Life Science: The behavior of organisms Grades 9-12, page 187 Organisms have behavioral responses to internal changes and to external stimuli. Responses to external stimuli can result from interactions with the organism's own species and others, as well as environmental changes; these responses can either be innate or learned. The broad patterns of behavior exhibited by animals have evolved to ensure reproductive success. Animals often live in unpredictable environments, and so their behavior must be flexible enough to deal with uncertainty and change. Plants also respond to stimuli. |