What is a key characteristic of behaviors described as instincts?

A key characteristic of behaviors described as instincts is that they are genetically transmitted across generations. Instincts are innate behaviors that organisms are born with, rather than learned through experience or modifications. These behaviors are typically universal within a species and do not require prior experience or environmental conditioning to be performed. For example, many animals exhibit mating rituals, nest building, or migration patterns instinctively, which are programmed through their genetic makeup.

While options like learned adaptations and behavioral modifications may apply to other types of behaviors, they do not accurately describe instincts, which are fundamentally different because they are hardwired and not subject to change through learning or reinforcement processes.