Question

can you please explain the following terms:

• Proximal Fixed Action Patterns
• Distal Fixed Action Patterns

Answer 1

Fixed action pattern is described as a behavior pattern unique or characteristic of a particular species. It is a action that is produced instinctively. (stereotypical,predictive in nature or a particular species is programmed to do)

Proximal fixed action pattern and distal fixed action pattern is or can be understood in a way with the help of questions like what is the perspective of the cause of a behavior.

Example:

Why an individual eat?

• Fixed Pattern action: Eating (natural instinct is to eat)
• Proximal Fixed action pattern: Sight and smell of food or feeling of hunger (leads to the instinct to eat- proximate cause)
• Distal Fixed Action pattern: To survive or live  (leads to the instinct to eat- final cause)

Distal fixed action pattern is also known as the ultimate fixed pattern i.e. the final instinctive behavior that is characteristic of a particular species and it responds in a particular way in a particular situation. The cause is ultimate or final and in contrast proximal fixed action pattern is instinctive behavior but the reason would vary and is not the final or the ultimate one.