fixed-action pattern Apparently stereotyped behaviour, exhibited or capable of being exhibited by all members of a species or higher taxonomic group, which may be used to achieve more than one objective, which may be innate or learned, and whose acquisition may be affected by environmental factors. Examples include the calls of certain birds: these are influenced by sounds heard by the birds early in their lives, but once acquired the songs are performed in a stereotyped way.

fixed-action pattern Apparently stereotyped behaviour, exhibited or capable of being exhibited by all members of a species or higher taxonomic group, which may be used to achieve more than one objective, which may be innate or learned, and whose acquisition may be affected by environmental factors. Examples include the calls of certain birds: these are influenced by sounds heard by the birds early in their lives, but once acquired the songs are performed in a stereotyped way.