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Basics of Behavior
Behavior is defined as the collective responses of an animal to its environment. Some behaviors are inherited, while others are learned.
Biologists study the mechanics of behavior—what triggers a response and what mechanisms underlie it—as well as the evolutionary significance of the behavior.
In this Lesson, well look at different types of behavior and their causes. Well also examine how behaviors are learned, and how we can tell whether a behavior is inherited. Inherited behaviors can be traced back to particular genes, and well investigate the link between molecular genetics and behavior.
Finally, well look at the evolution of behavior and how natural selection may influence which behaviors are inherited and which ones are learned.