Functionally equivalent behaviors are different topographies of behavior that produce the same maintaining consequence or serve the same function for an individual In this example both driving a car through an automated car wash and manually hosing down a truck achieve the same ultimate goal cleaning the vehicle Even though the specific actions or topographies of the behaviors are different the outcome and the function served vehicle cleanliness are identical Lets analyze the other options Putting trash in a trash can and placing recyclables in a recycling bin are distinct discrimination tasks While both involve waste disposal they require different responses to different stimuli trash vs recyclables and lead to different categories of disposal thus not serving the exact same immediate function for the individual Yelling loudly to gain attention from a caregiver serves the function of gaining social attention while hitting a sibling to obtain a preferred snack serves the function of gaining a tangible item These are two distinct behavioral functions attention vs tangible Mowing the lawn to maintain yard aesthetics and weeding a flower bed to remove unwanted plants are both tasks related to yard maintenance but they address different specific aspects of the yard and achieve different immediate outcomes cutting grass vs removing weeds While both contribute to a nice yard their specific functions are not identical in the same way cleaning a car is