Fixed Action Patterns

Synonyms

Fixed behavior patterns; Modal action patterns

Definition

Inherent behaviors that occur invariantly in succession and almost always execute to completion regardless of any changes in the initial sign stimulus.

Introduction

Behaviors are unique to each species. Every species has a common goal – to be fit and live long enough to reproduce; to replicate their genes. Each generation of a species has the potential to adapt to the ever-changing environment and increase their fitness, which is often done in utilizing the most efficient behaviors. Fixed action patterns (FAP), or fixed behavior patterns, are an innate sequence of behaviors that have been “hard-wired” into an individual through the evolutionary history of its species. These patterns tend to be triggered by specific stimuli and almost always run to completion – the cascade of behaviors happen without the organism even consciously reacting, they simply just occur and fully execute to completion due to a natural response...