GED Science Practice

What is an inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli?

1. a. Infectious disease

2. b. Insulation

3. c. Hypothesis

4. d. Instinct

The correct answer is: d. Instinct

An inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli is referred to as instinct. Instincts are innate tendencies or biological responses that organisms exhibit without the need for prior experience or learning. These behaviors are typically automatic and are crucial for survival, as they enable an organism to respond effectively to certain situations or stimuli in their environment. For example, many animals demonstrate instinctual behaviors such as nesting, migration, and mating rituals, which are driven by specific environmental cues. Additionally, instincts can manifest in human behavior through reflex actions and certain emotional responses. The other choices listed do not fit the definition of an inborn behavior. Infectious disease relates to illnesses caused by pathogens, insulation pertains to materials or methods that reduce heat transfer, and a hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that has yet to be tested. Each of these choices represents concepts that are distinct from instinctive behavior.