Ethology and Animals
Ethology: A Study in Animal Behavior and the
Complexity of Their Action
A Study in Animal Behavior
Hierarchy Among Animal Species
Ethology, the study of animal behavior is still a new frontier for scientists (Freedman, 1970). Ethology, a combination of evolution, ecology, physiology, genetics and psychology, has just come about within the last two decades (Raven, 1999). Animals are a vital component in the history of the world. For instance, the Bible mentions some 100 kinds of animals. In this modern age some Hindus still worship snakes and bulls as incarnations of divine beings (Carmichael, 1972).
Humans have been intrigued for years at how the most basic creatures can do the most complex tasks, such as finding a home, weaving a web or sing a song with little or no instruction (Encarta, 2000). Animal behavior, one of the most important properties of animal life, is the part of a particular organism and it 's environment. The role of animal behavior plays a critical role in biological adaptations. Animal behavior also gives some of the first warning signs of environmental disruption (Snowdon, 2001). The human body and other mammals share many similarities, such as anatomical structure, from cells to vital organs. Human refusal to accept their psychological kinship to animals is blamed on our inadequate understanding of animal behavior (Carmichael, 1972). The methodology used to study animal behavior has had a significant impact in the psychology world (Snowdon, 2001). In many ways humans are still much more advanced and sophisticated than animals but the comparison of humans to animals still remains controversial (Slater, 1987).
Aggressive Behavior
A decent portion of animal behavior concerns the resolution of conflicts (Slater, 1987). Peace will occur in groups of animals will remain as long as a subordinate stays submissive. A submissive animal will often groom a dominant animal, as a soothing action and a way to build trust. This is
Complexity of Their Action
A Study in Animal Behavior
Hierarchy Among Animal Species
Ethology, the study of animal behavior is still a new frontier for scientists (Freedman, 1970). Ethology, a combination of evolution, ecology, physiology, genetics and psychology, has just come about within the last two decades (Raven, 1999). Animals are a vital component in the history of the world. For instance, the Bible mentions some 100 kinds of animals. In this modern age some Hindus still worship snakes and bulls as incarnations of divine beings (Carmichael, 1972).
Humans have been intrigued for years at how the most basic creatures can do the most complex tasks, such as finding a home, weaving a web or sing a song with little or no instruction (Encarta, 2000). Animal behavior, one of the most important properties of animal life, is the part of a particular organism and it 's environment. The role of animal behavior plays a critical role in biological adaptations. Animal behavior also gives some of the first warning signs of environmental disruption (Snowdon, 2001). The human body and other mammals share many similarities, such as anatomical structure, from cells to vital organs. Human refusal to accept their psychological kinship to animals is blamed on our inadequate understanding of animal behavior (Carmichael, 1972). The methodology used to study animal behavior has had a significant impact in the psychology world (Snowdon, 2001). In many ways humans are still much more advanced and sophisticated than animals but the comparison of humans to animals still remains controversial (Slater, 1987).
Aggressive Behavior
A decent portion of animal behavior concerns the resolution of conflicts (Slater, 1987). Peace will occur in groups of animals will remain as long as a subordinate stays submissive. A submissive animal will often groom a dominant animal, as a soothing action and a way to build trust. This is
References: A discussion on the debate, "nurture vs. nature" and instinctive behavior. Retrieved March 12, 2003, from http://www.Encarta.msn.com Benyus, Janine M. (1998). The Secret Language and Remarkable Behavior of Animals. New York, New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. Freedman, R., & Morris, J.E. (1970). Animal Instincts. Johnson, George B Miller, Kenneth R., Ph.D. & Levine, Joseph, Ph.D. (2000). Animal Behavior. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.. Milne, Lorus and Margery. (1982) . A Time to be Born: An Almanac of Animal Courtship & Parenting National Geographic Society. (1972) . The Marvels of Animal Behavior. Slater, Professor Peter JB Vandenbergh, John G. (1983) . Pheromones and Reproduction in Mammals. (United Kingdom ed,)