ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces reflexive behavior, which is based on species history or phylogeny. It explores reflexive sequences or patterns set off by a releasing stimulus and reaction chains where each response requires an appropriate stimulus to keep the sequence going. Fixed-action patterns have been observed and documented in a wide range of animals and over a large number of behaviors related to survival and reproduction. Behavior relations that predominantly are based on the genetic endowment are described as phylogenetic, and are present on the basis of the evolutionary history of a species. Reflexive behavior is automatic in the sense that a physically healthy organism always produces the unconditioned response when presented with an unconditioned stimulus. Habituation is a conserved behavioral process that has come about because of a phylogenetic history. Respondent conditioning involves the transfer of the control of behavior from one stimulus to another by S–S association.
