What type of instinct refers to genetically based knowledge related to the survival of the individual dog?

The correct answer relates to the instinct that is fundamentally about the survival of the individual dog. The self-preservation instinct encompasses behaviors and responses that are innate and critical for a dog's survival in various environments. These instincts guide dogs in seeking food, avoiding dangers, and ensuring their own wellbeing.

Self-preservation instinct is crucial because it drives dogs to engage in necessary behaviors for their physical health and safety. It dictates how they react to threats and enables them to adapt to their surroundings for survival. This instinct is often what leads dogs to take care of themselves, find shelter, and interact with their environment in ways that keep them safe.

In contrast, the other instincts listed, while also important, do not focus on the individual dog's immediate survival needs. Species preservation instinct is more about the continuation of the species as a whole rather than the individual. Hunt drive refers to instincts related to pursuing prey, which is not solely focused on self-preservation. Tracking drive involves following scents or trails, which serves a purpose in hunting or detection tasks but is also not as directly related to the individual dog's survival as self-preservation.