What are examples of innate behaviours in invertebrates?

Innate behaviours in invertebrates include web spinning in spiders, hive building in bees, and migration in monarch butterflies.

Innate behaviours, also known as instinctive behaviours, are those that are genetically programmed and performed without being learned. They are essential for the survival of many invertebrate species. For instance, spiders are born with the ability to spin intricate webs. This behaviour is not learned, but rather, it is an instinctive behaviour that is crucial for their survival as it aids in capturing prey and providing a safe space for rest.

Similarly, bees exhibit innate behaviours in the construction of their hives. Worker bees instinctively know how to build the complex structure of a hive, which includes hexagonal cells for storing honey and rearing young. This behaviour is essential for the survival of the colony, providing a safe and organised environment for the bees to live and reproduce.

Another example of innate behaviour in invertebrates is the migration of monarch butterflies. Every year, these butterflies travel thousands of miles from North America to Mexico, a journey that no single butterfly lives to make twice. This migration is not learned from older generations, but is an instinctive behaviour that is genetically programmed into the butterflies. This behaviour is crucial for their survival, allowing them to escape harsh winter conditions and find abundant food sources.

In addition, many invertebrates exhibit innate defensive behaviours. For example, when threatened, octopuses release a cloud of ink to confuse predators and make a quick escape. Similarly, certain species of stick insects will instinctively play dead when they sense danger, a behaviour known as thanatosis.

These examples illustrate the wide range of innate behaviours exhibited by invertebrates, all of which play a crucial role in their survival. These behaviours are not learned, but are genetically programmed, highlighting the importance of genetics in determining behaviour.