Fixed action pattern

"Fixed action pattern" is an ethological term describing an instinctive behavioral sequence that is highly stereotyped and species-characteristic.[1] 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.[1][2] Once released, a fixed action pattern runs to completion.[1]

This term is often associated with Konrad Lorenz, who is the founder of the concept.[1] Lorenz identified six characteristics of fixed action patterns.[3] These characteristics state that fixed action patterns are stereotyped, complex, species-characteristic, released, triggered, and independent of experience.[3]

Fixed action patterns have been observed in many species, but most notably in fish and birds.[1][2] Classic studies by Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen involve male stickleback mating behavior and greylag goose egg-retrieval behavior.[4][5]

Fixed action patterns have been shown to be evolutionarily advantageous, as they increase both fitness and speed.[6] However, as a result of their predictability, they may also be used as a means of exploitation. An example of this exploitation would be brood parasitism.[7]

There are four exceptions to fixed action pattern rules:[8] reduced response threshold, vacuum activity, displacement behavior, and graded response.[8]

  1. ^ a b c d e Páez-Rondón, Oscar; Aldana, Elis; Dickens, Joseph; Otálora-Luna, Fernando (May 2018). "Ethological description of a fixed action pattern in a kissing bug (Triatominae): vision, gustation, proboscis extension and drinking of water and guava". Journal of Ethology. 36 (2): 107–116. doi:10.1007/s10164-018-0547-y. ISSN 0289-0771.
  2. ^ a b Ronacher, Bernhard (February 2019). "Innate releasing mechanisms and fixed action patterns: basic ethological concepts as drivers for neuroethological studies on acoustic communication in Orthoptera". Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 205 (1): 33–50. doi:10.1007/s00359-018-01311-3. ISSN 0340-7594. PMC 6394777. PMID 30617601.
  3. ^ a b Studying animal behavior : autobiographies of the founders. Dewsbury, Donald A. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 1989. ISBN 0226144100. OCLC 19670401.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. ^ Tinbergen, N. (1952). The curious behavior of sticklebacks. Scientific American, 6, 22–26.
  5. ^ Lorenz, K., Tinbergen, N. (1970). Taxis and instinct in egg-rolling response of the greylag goose. Studies in Animal and Human Behavior, 1, 328–342.
  6. ^ "Fixed Action Patterns | Protocol". www.jove.com. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  7. ^ Peer, Brian D.; Robinson, Scott K.; Herkert, James R. (2000-10-01). "Egg Rejection by Cowbird Hosts in Grasslands". The Auk. 117 (4): 892–901. doi:10.1093/auk/117.4.892. ISSN 1938-4254.
  8. ^ a b Schleidt, Wolfgang M. (2010). "How "Fixed" is the Fixed Action Pattern?". Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie. 36 (1–5): 184–211. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0310.1974.tb02131.x. ISSN 0044-3573. PMID 4467663.