The concept of selectionism is a fundamental assumption of behavior analysis asserting that behaviors are selected by environmental factors It operates on three distinct levels 1 Phylogenic Selectionism This refers to behaviors that have evolved over the natural history of a species and are genetically passed down because they contribute to survival and reproduction eg reflexes innate behaviors common to all members of a species 2 Ontogenic Selectionism This describes behaviors acquired and maintained during an individuals lifetime through direct interaction with their unique environment This learning process is primarily driven by the consequences that follow a behavior such as reinforcement and punishment The scenario presented where a child learns to raise their hand due to positive reinforcement being called on by the teacher is a quintessential example of ontogenic selectionism as it details a behavior shaped and maintained by environmental consequences experienced by that specific individual 3 Cultural Selectionism This refers to behaviors that are transmitted from one person to another within a group or society often through imitation modeling or social learning and persist because they are beneficial to the group or society Respondent behavior on the other hand is behavior that is elicited by antecedent stimuli eg a reflex like salivating at the sight of food and is not primarily driven by operant consequences