The Science of Modal Action Patterns
Have you ever noticed how some animals just seem to “know” what to do in certain situations, even without anyone teaching them? This is because of something called a modal action pattern (MAP)- a natural behavior that kicks in automatically when triggered by something specific. Think of it like pressing a button that starts a pre-set series of actions. For example, let’s talk about geese. When a goose spots an egg outside its nest, it doesn’t hesitate or need instructions. Instead, it starts a step-by-step process of rolling the egg back into the nest using its beak. This behavior is automatic, consistent, and always happens in the same way. The key is that it only starts when the goose sees something that looks like an egg outside its nest- that’s the specific trigger. What makes MAPs so fascinating is that animals don’t need to practice or learn them. They are pre-programmed behaviors, built into the species over generations to help them survive and thrive. Whether it’s a...