What are instincts defined as?

Instincts are defined as species-specific behaviors that are inborn, meaning they are inherent and do not require learning or experience to manifest. This definition emphasizes the biological basis of instincts, which are typically seen across members of the same species and serve important survival functions, such as feeding, mating, and escaping predators. Instincts are often automatic and triggered by specific stimuli, involving complex behaviors that are essential for the survival and reproductive success of the species.

The other options touch on different aspects of behavior: learned behaviors acquired through experience relate to the concept of learning and adaptation rather than instincts; conscious choices refer to deliberate actions made with awareness and intention, contrasting sharply with the automatic nature of instincts; and responses to external stimuli, while potentially related, do not capture the inborn, species-specific nature that characterizes instincts.