What best describes innate behaviors in animals?

Innate behaviors in animals are those that are genetically hardwired and do not require prior experience or learning to be exhibited. These behaviors are typically instinctive and are performed consistently across members of a species. For example, a newly hatched sea turtle instinctively moves toward the ocean without needing to learn this behavior from parents or through individual experience. This contrasts with learned behaviors, which are acquired through interactions with the environment or from other individuals.

Innate behaviors are crucial for survival and reproduction, as they enable animals to respond effectively to specific stimuli. Such actions are usually vital for basic functions like feeding, mating, and fleeing from predators. Understanding innate behaviors can help in studying animal biology and ecology, as these behaviors reflect evolutionary adaptations to environmental challenges.