Innate behavior refers to actions or reactions that are genetically programmed and do not require learning or experience. These behaviors are typically present at birth and are common across a species. For example, a baby bird instinctively knows how to chirp and seek food from its parents without being taught.
Innate behaviors are crucial for survival and reproduction. They include reflexes, such as a newborn grasping a finger, and more complex actions like migration in animals. These behaviors ensure that individuals can respond effectively to their environment from the moment they are born.