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Humans are territorial by nature (don't need to be taught territoriality).
True
False

User Jhaman Das
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Humans exhibit a complex mix of innate and learned behaviors concerning territoriality. Unlike some animal species that are purely driven by resource scarcity, human territorial behavior is also significantly shaped by cultural and social factors. Thus, the statement that humans are innately territorial without needing to be taught is too simplistic and lacks nuance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that humans are territorial by nature implies an innate, biological drive for territoriality that does not require teaching. This is a complex topic within the field of Biology and Environmental Biology 101. While it is true that many animal species exhibit territorial behavior, particularly when resources are scarce, this practice varies significantly from one species to another. For example, some animals are content to allow others within their species to come and go freely, while others might spend their entire lives alone or in small, monogamous pairs.

Human territoriality is less clear-cut. There is empirical evidence of both innate and learned behaviors in humans. For instance, some anthropological research suggests that humans have a tendency to form in-groups and may be suspicious of strangers, which could be an echo of primitive territorial instincts. On the other hand, current understanding of human society recognizes the significant role of culture and learning in shaping behavior, challenging the notion that territoriality is purely instinctual.

In conclusion, while humans do display elements of territorial behavior, it is not exclusively innate and is influenced by cultural and environmental factors. It is also important to distinguish between resource-driven territoriality seen in some animals and the complex social dynamics of human territoriality.

User Shaunak Patel
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