Term used to describe sequence of behaviours that occurs throughout species. Universal (but species-species) behaviour. Argued to be innate.
Eg, aggression in male stickleback fish. FAP starts w/ nesting behaviour in spring. Establishing territory important so any other male sticklebacks that encroach territory met w/ aggressive attacks. Females encouraged to stay so they can lay eggs in pre-prepared nests.
Behaviour investigated by Tinbergen (1952) - used models crafted to resemble male sticklebacks (red bellies) + females (swollen bellies). All males attacked model w/ red belly. Shows behaviour is invariant.
Argued these FAPs are adaptive b/c they increase evolutionary fitness. Means w/ regard to aggression in humans, must increase fitness if it's to be regarded as FAP. Proven to be one of isues in applying theory to human aggression.
Comments
No comments have yet been made