Instinct

There is still no clear definition of the concept of “instinct,” but its complexity and versatility are not disputed. Instinctive behavior is one of the forms of animal behavior that is characterized by innateness and strict coordination of actions. This behavior is carried out under the influence of the basic biological needs of the animal and reflects the useful experience of previous generations of this species.

The connection between instinct and the animal's bodily organization and nervous system was emphasized by the French thinker and physician J. La Mettrie. Over time, views on instinct changed: some scientists considered it as a result of the reduction of the mind, others - as the embryo of the mind. Charles Darwin believed that instinct was formed as a result of the inheritance of properties acquired in the process of intelligent activity, and the natural selection of properties that arose by chance and were useful for a given species of animal.

M. Sechenov and I.P. Pavlov revealed the reflex nature of instinct. The ability to improve instinctive actions is inherited, and, as Charles Darwin noted, the features of these rigidly programmed actions are as characteristic of animals of a certain species as the structural features of their body.

The diversity and amazing expediency of types of instinctive behavior observed in nature have always attracted the attention of various researchers. It is possible to understand why bees build honeycombs or how a spider weaves its web only from the perspective of evolutionary teaching. All living beings on our planet, for millions of years, encounter repeating natural phenomena, such as the change of seasons, day and night, and they build homes, meet the enemy, look for a sexual partner, etc. The initial stages of these phenomena have become signals notifying the body of the onset of subsequent stages, which allows the living creature to prepare for them.

PK Anokhin called this ability of living organisms to organize their activities taking into account those events that should occur in the near or distant future “an advanced reflection of reality.”

Today we understand that instinctive behavior is the result of a complex interplay of heredity and experience. Instincts help animals survive in harsh natural conditions and find food. Some instincts are related to reproduction, protection of offspring, and territorial behavior. Instincts can also manifest themselves in interactions between animals, for example in the form of aggression or social play.

Modern research shows that instinctive behavior is not hard-coded and is not incapable of changing depending on the environment and experience of the animal. For example, some bird species can change the shape of their nests depending on conditions, and some animals can use adaptations that are not part of their innate behavior.

Thus, instinct is a complex phenomenon that is characterized by innateness and strict coordination of actions, but is also influenced by experience and the environment. Instinctive behavior helps animals survive and adapt to environmental conditions, and studying its mechanisms and causes allows us to better understand the animal world and its relationship with nature.

Each of us has many instincts that help us survive and find our way in the world. These instincts manifest themselves in our behavior, actions and reactions to the environment. They are part of our nature and help us adapt to different conditions and situations. In this article we will look at several examples of instincts and their role in everyday life.

One of the most striking examples of instinct is the instinct of self-preservation. This instinct manifests itself in our reaction to a threat to health and life. It forces us to take measures to protect ourselves from danger, such as running away or protecting ourselves with physical barriers. The instinct for self-preservation can also manifest itself as a visceral reaction to fear, such as when we are unable to control our emotions and act irrationally.

Another example of an instinct is the reproductive instinct. This instinct is natural and occurs even in animals that do not have a human form. It manifests itself in the form of a desire to reproduce and create offspring. The instinctive need to reproduce can be motivated by genetic factors, the desire to procreate and create a new life. The reproductive instinct also manifests itself in various forms of behavior, such as courtship of the opposite sex, pairing, and searching for a partner.

The instinct to eat is also an example of an instinct that manifests itself in our desire to satisfy hunger. This instinct can be very strong in humans and animals. Hunger can cause us to change our behavior and make poor decisions. For example, a person may go against his principles and commit a crime in order to get food. The instinct to control the environment is also related to the instinct to eat, since human behavior depends on the availability of food.