Fixed action pattern

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In ethology, a fixed action pattern (FAP) is a complex behavioral sequence that is indivisible and runs to completion. FAPs are invariant and are produced by the innate releasing mechanism that responds to an external sensory stimulus (sign stimulus).

[edit] Examples

A mating dance may be used as an example. Many species of birds engage in a specific series of elaborate movements, usually by a brightly colored male. How well they perform the "dance" is then used by females of the species to judge their fitness as a potential mate. The key stimulus is typically the presence of the female.

Although fixed action patterns are most common in less evolved organisms, humans also demonstrate fixed action patterns. infants grasp strongly with their hands as a response to tactile stimulus. This is thought to be a vestigial mechanism where when threatened by a predator a young primate would grab on to a parent's fur so the parent could climb to safety without having to hold its child. See also reflex action

Fixed action pattern is used in biology to classify ethology

Another good example of Fixed Action Pattern is within the red-bellied stickleback (fish). They are naturally angry at a specific stimulus, which is other red-bellied sticklebacks. Anything red creates this FAP. The proximate response to this is that due to the stimuli, a nerve sends a signal to attack that red item. The ulitmate response is that the stickleback needs the area in which it is living for either habitat, food, mating with other sticklebacks, or other purposes.

[edit] See also

• Digger wasp