Fear in response to the sight of predators is innate rather than acquired
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 86/100
Multiple studies demonstrate that various animal species possess innate, unlearnt behavioral and neural recognition mechanisms for responding to predators and their chemical cues without prior exposure.
Evidence for · 4
Innate predator recognition in newly-hatched Atlantic salmon
2004 · cited by 55
Demonstrates that newly-hatched Atlantic salmon fry exhibit unlearnt, innate recognition of predator odors.
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More for · 3
New Perspectives on β-Adrenergic Mediation of Innate and Learned Fear Responses to Predator Odor
2008 · cited by 54
Examines neural mechanisms underlying unconditioned, innate fear responses to predator odors.
Multimodal Cues Do Not Improve Predator Recognition in Green Toad Tadpoles
2022 · cited by 6
Shows that toad tadpoles exhibit innate behavioral responses to chemical cues of native predators without prior exposure.
Behavioral and neurobiological implications of kairomones for rodents: an updated review.
2025 · cited by 1
Reviews how specialized olfactory networks allow rodents to innately recognize predator-derived kairomones.