What is the Evolutionary Basis for Instinct?

[jimmydasaint]

I just wondered if instinctive behaviour can be passed on genetically OR is it environmental OR is it a mixture of both?

 

If it is a mixture of both environment and genes passed on from its parent, does it show that gradual accumulation of mutations is not the mechanism for evolution of instinct?

[ecoli]

by definition, instinctual behavior is genetic. But it can be difficult to distinguish genetically programmed behaviors from behaviors learned at a young age.

[jimmydasaint]

Thanks there e.c. The implication is from your reply, that a genetic change or mutation may change instinctive behaviour. this is quite important. Have you any papers/reviews that back this up?