Instincts in animals

Pallet #5^Good color^What is an instinct? As we watch a beaver at work on its dam and house, we learn that much of what this amazing animal does is due to its instincts. An instinct is a natural impulse that an animal inherits from its parents. We see evidence of instincts especially in young animals, such as baby birds or newborn puppies.^By observing animals, we discover that some things are learned from parents, but instincts usually start the learning process. However, some animals, such as the cecropia moth are born without ever knowing their parents - so everything they do must be initiated by instinct. ^Instincts are so important to an animal that without them, it would not survive.