Instincts: inborn, a compensation for what's lacking, or a combination of both?

[Computer Loser]

instinct- they're innate behaviors in response to the environment. requires no teaching/learning. ex: because a baby can't protect itself, it was designed to cry as a protection mechanism.

compensation- doesn't necessarily involve innate behaviors. most likely involves teaching/learning ex: ugly gremlin can't get dates because he scares people. he compensates by getting really rich and famous by learning how to manage his money and be cool

[Aria]

I like that distinction. Maybe I should have phrased my original question to ask why one instinct dominates over the others. I do think the instincts--all 3 of them--are innate like you said, present in every person since they are born.