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action pattern

a predictable behavioral sequence that is elicited by certain requisite stimuli. For example, during the mating season, a male fish aggressively defends its territory against other males. See also fixed action pattern.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

Hering–Breuer reflex

Hering–Breuer reflex

a nervous mechanism involved in normal breathing, with stimuli from sensory endings in lung tissue limiting inspiration and expiration. [Ewald Hering; Josef Breuer]