Instinct.....really?

[mamalovesrico]

Thanks Jim. Instinct vs learned behavior is pretty fascinating, isn't it? I was just reading about how researchers define intelligence. I've heard many way. This one was saying humans are the most intelligent because intelligence is based on being able to adapt and change and live with environmental changes. Some organisms this takes centuries to adapt. Some take lifetimes. Some can change and adapt over periods of a few years. Humans have the ability to make these adaptations daily if not momentarily. An interesting concept and one I'll definitely keep in mind when trying to identify intelligence. I've also read that 'manipulation' is a sign of intelligence. I agree with this one also which is why I'm fascinated with crows and corvids. Masters at manipulation of their environment and deception in the presence of others for sure.

You know what's weird, interesting, and fascinating is how when Rocky came here, I remember him having little if any concept of predators. Your comment about the duck vs the hawk made me think of this. I was thinking about this the other day too. I remember all birds being out doors and going in to the quiet mode and keeping heads cocked with one eye on the sky when they saw a hawk or other bird of prey in the sky. Rocky? Not a damn reaction. I've noticed this year for sure, he is also one that keeps an eye on the flying predators when over head. I've also seen him go into severe defense reactions in regards to things I wouldn't think he should show fear to, but how do I know what happened in his past.
Learned vs instinct is interesting for sure. Pretty deep too, I have no doubt.

[jp]

I remember posting about that same thing some time ago. How my birds all of a sudden went quiet and were all holding perfectly still, the I saw the hawk outside.
But then Sophie gets all quiet when I have her outside and she actually sees a crow. Which she will call to them and answer them all day. lol

[The Nestbox]

Great topic, Lara! I think there is a lot of confusion when it comes to learned behavior and instinct. I'm afraid that it is too common to attribute a negative behavior as instinctual because that makes one feel like that lets them off the hook, know what I mean? "I can't really do anything about his *insert negative behavior* because it's driven by instinct, so what's the point".