Extinct vs. Instinct — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
"Extinct" describes a species that no longer exists, while "instinct" refers to innate behaviors and responses programmed into a species.
Difference Between Extinct and Instinct
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Extinct" is a term used to denote a species that has completely disappeared from Earth, with no living members left, due to various factors like environmental changes, human activities, or evolutionary issues. On the other hand, "instinct" encompasses the inherited tendencies or fixed patterns of behavior that are typical within a species, often aiding survival.
Extinction is often irreversible, marking the end of an organism's genetic heritage and impact on its ecosystem, while instincts are crucial for the survival of individuals and propagation of their species, guiding behaviors such as feeding, mating, and predator avoidance.
The concept of extinction highlights the vulnerability of species to ecological and anthropogenic pressures, underlining the importance of conservation efforts. Conversely, instinct underscores the biological programming and evolutionary adaptations that enable species to thrive in their environments without conscious thought.
Research into extinct species relies heavily on paleontological findings and genetic studies to understand past biodiversity and ecological dynamics. In contrast, studies of instinct often involve observing living animals in their natural settings or controlled environments to understand behavioral patterns.
The loss of an extinct species can lead to significant shifts in their ecosystems, often resulting in decreased biodiversity and altered habitat conditions. Instinct, however, plays a continuous role in the ecological balance, influencing feeding hierarchies, reproductive success, and the general behavior of animal populations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A species that no longer exists
Innate behaviors in living organisms
Relevance to Survival
No longer relevant
Essential for survival
Study Methods
Paleontology, genetic analysis
Ethology, behavioral studies
Impact on Ecosystem
Often leads to imbalances
Maintains ecological roles
Role in Evolution
End point of a lineage
Facilitates adaptation and survival
Compare with Definitions
Extinct
Total disappearance: A species that has no living members.
The dodo became extinct in the 17th century.
Instinct
Innate behavior: Actions performed without learning.
Sea turtles instinctively head towards the ocean at birth.
Extinct
Conservation lessons: Extinctions provide insights into environmental impacts.
The extinction of the passenger pigeon led to changes in conservation tactics.
Instinct
Genetic basis: Behaviors passed down through generations.
Birds instinctively know how to build nests.
Extinct
No longer existing or living
An extinct species.
Instinct
Survival mechanism: Instincts help species survive and reproduce.
The instinct to flee from predators is strong in rabbits.
Extinct
No longer burning or active
An extinct volcano.
Instinct
Study through observation: Scientists observe animals to understand instinctual behaviors.
Observing wolves has helped understand pack dynamics as instinctual.
Extinct
No longer in use
An extinct custom.
Instinct
Role in adaptation: Instincts evolve to suit environmental conditions.
Instinctual migration patterns ensure birds are in optimal breeding environments.
Extinct
(dated) Extinguished, no longer alight (of fire, candles etc.)
Poor Edward's cigarillo was already extinct.
Instinct
Instinct is the inherent inclination of a living organism towards a particular complex behaviour, containing both innate (inborn) and learned elements. The simplest example of an instinctive behavior is a fixed action pattern (FAP), in which a very short to medium length sequence of actions, without variation, are carried out in response to a corresponding clearly defined stimulus.
Extinct
No longer used; obsolete, discontinued.
The title became extinct when the last baron died.
Luckily, such ideas about race are extinct in current sociological theory.
Instinct
An inborn pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species and is often a response to specific environmental stimuli
The spawning instinct in salmon.
Altruistic instincts in social animals.
Extinct
(of a group of organisms, as a species) No longer in existence; having died out.
The dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years.
Instinct
A powerful motivation or impulse.
Extinct
(geology) No longer active.
Most of the volcanos on this island are now extinct.
They found the sites of extinct geysers.
Instinct
An innate capability or aptitude
An instinct for tact and diplomacy.
Extinct
(transitive) To make extinct; to extinguish or annihilate.
Instinct
Deeply filled or imbued
Words instinct with love.
Extinct
Extinguished; put out; quenched; as, a fire, a light, or a lamp, is extinct; an extinct volcano.
Light, the prime work of God, to me is extinct.
Instinct
(Obsolete) Impelled from within.
Extinct
Without a survivor; without force; dead; as, a family becomes extinct; an extinct feud or law.
Instinct
A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
Many animals fear fire by instinct.
Extinct
Once existing as a species but now having no living members; - used of species of living organisms, especially of animals and plants; as, dinosaurs are now extinct; the dodo bird is extinct.
Instinct
An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
An instinct for order; to be modest by instinct
Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.
Extinct
To cause to be extinct.
Instinct
(archaic) Imbued, charged (with something).
Extinct
No longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives;
An extinct species of fish
An extinct royal family
Extinct laws and customs
Instinct
Urged or stimulated from within; naturally moved or impelled; imbued; animated; alive; quick; as, birds instinct with life.
The chariot of paternal deity . . . Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyedBy four cherubic shapes.
A noble performance, instinct with sound principle.
Extinct
Of e.g. volcanos; permanently inactive;
An extinct volcano
A dormant volcano
Instinct
Natural inward impulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning prompting to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a distinct apprehension of the end or object to be accomplished.
An instinct is a propensity prior to experience, and independent of instructions.
An instinct is a blind tendency to some mode of action, independent of any consideration, on the part of the agent, of the end to which the action leads.
An instinct is an agent which performs blindly and ignorantly a work of intelligence and knowledge.
By a divine instinct, men's minds mistrustEnsuing dangers.
Extinct
Of a fire; being out or having grown cold;
Threw his extinct cigarette into the stream
The fire is out
Instinct
Specif., the natural, unreasoning, impulse by which an animal is guided to the performance of any action, without thought of improvement in the method.
The resemblance between what originally was a habit, and an instinct becomes so close as not to be distinguished.
Extinct
Irreversible loss: Permanent end of a species' existence.
Numerous insects go extinct each year without ever being documented.
Instinct
A natural aptitude or knack; a predilection; as, an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct.
Extinct
Fossil study: Research often involves studying remains.
Paleontologists study dinosaur bones to learn about these extinct creatures.
Instinct
To impress, as an animating power, or instinct.
Extinct
Ecological impact: The loss affects biodiversity and ecosystems.
The extinction of top predators can lead to overpopulation of certain herbivores.
Instinct
Inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli;
The spawning instinct in salmon
Altruistic instincts in social animals
Instinct
(followed by `with')deeply filled or permeated;
Imbued with the spirit of the Reformation
Words instinct with love
It is replete with misery
Common Curiosities
What are the consequences of extinction?
Extinction can lead to significant ecological imbalances, loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of ecosystem services.
What causes a species to become extinct?
Extinction can result from natural causes like climate change or human impacts such as habitat destruction and overhunting.
How do instincts develop in animals?
Instincts are genetically encoded behaviors that evolve over generations to adapt to environmental challenges.
Can extinct species be brought back to life?
While the concept of "de-extinction" is explored in science, it remains largely theoretical and fraught with ethical and practical challenges.
Why is studying instinct important?
Understanding instinctive behaviors can help in wildlife conservation efforts and in understanding the evolutionary history of species.
What is the difference between a reflex and an instinct?
A reflex is a simple, automatic response to a stimulus, while an instinct is a more complex pattern of behavior that involves a response to broader environmental stimuli.
Are humans born with instincts?
Yes, humans are born with a number of instincts, such as those for sucking and grasping, which are critical for early survival.
How can studying extinct species help us today?
Studying extinct species provides insights into past biodiversity and environmental changes, which can inform current conservation strategies.
How does instinct affect animal behavior?
Instinct affects how animals interact with their environment, from foraging to predator avoidance and mating behaviors.
Can instincts be altered or suppressed?
While instincts are hardwired, they can sometimes be modified through learning or changes in environmental conditions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
