Final answer:
Patterns of behavior that are species-specific and highly repeatable are known as displays, which are an example of a fixed action pattern, such as the courtship and territorial aggression observed in three-spined stickleback fish.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patterns of behavior that are species-specific and highly repeatable are called displays and are an example of a fixed action pattern.
Courtship behaviors are one type of display behavior. A display behavior is a fixed set of actions that carries a specific message. While many display behaviors are used to attract mates, there are other uses for these behaviors. For instance, they may serve as warnings to other animals to maintain distance. Display behaviors are not just restricted to courtship but encompass a variety of instinctual activities.
A classic example demonstrating a fixed action pattern is the three-spined stickleback fish. Males with a red belly, signifying breeding season, will display aggressive behaviors towards other males. This reaction is so instinctual that it will continue even when the initial stimulus—a red object—is removed.
Another key aspect of animal behavior is cycles of behavior, which refer to behaviors that change regularly, such as migration. Migration is initiated by environmental triggers like changes in daylight duration, and is an innate behavior that leads animals to move to locations with more favorable conditions for survival.