Animal behavior is the scientific study of the observable actions, interactions, and behavioral patterns of animals, typically investigated within ethology, behavioral ecology, and comparative psychology. It encompasses mechanisms (proximate causes such as neural, hormonal, and genetic control), development (ontogeny and learning), function (adaptive value in survival and reproductive success), and evolution (phylogenetic history and divergence among taxa). Research on animal behavior quantifies activities such as foraging, mating systems, parental care, communication, social organization, and antipredator strategies, often integrating experimental, observational, and modeling approaches to understand how behavior emerges from organism–environment interactions and contributes to fitness and ecological dynamics.
Who hasn't dreamed of flying like a bird? But do birds actually enjoy flying as much as we imagine? A new study by researchers at Utrecht University shows that galahs, Australian cockatoos, almost always choose to fly when ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 14, 2026
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186
At Archbold Biological Station, decades of field observations are helping scientists better understand one of nature's oldest relationship strategies: long-term monogamy.
Ecology
Jul 14, 2026
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9
I am one of Hobart's many residents who traveled to a nearby beach to witness Neil the seal—an animal that has been receiving global attention for his wild personality and humorous antics.
Plants & Animals
Jul 12, 2026
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112
Virtual fences could make managing grazing livestock on farms more flexible and more efficient while improving animal welfare. A new study by the University of Göttingen shows that virtual fences trigger behavior in cattle ...
Biotechnology
Jul 11, 2026
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60
A research team led by Professor Chaogu Zheng from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with scientists from Princeton University and Columbia University, has discovered ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Jul 11, 2026
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14
How do bees make group decisions without a leader? Math experts have determined that the best strategy is for a few to assume the risk of foraging under all conditions while the majority stay safely back and forage only when ...
Ecology
Jul 10, 2026
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90
Rutgers Office for Research (OfR) leaders collaborated with researchers around the world to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) program that has the potential to revolutionize lab research.
Biotechnology
Jul 10, 2026
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9
Steep hillsides and mountainsides in many regions worldwide are often covered in characteristic step-like patterns, also known as terracettes. These repeating landforms have fascinated scientists for more than a century, ...
The summer heat can be unrelenting, sending pets who usually run straight to their owners after being outside in search of their water bowls instead. Rehydrating after playtime is important, so if a pet does not have proper ...
Veterinary medicine
Jul 9, 2026
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10
A recent study reveals geographic biases in how aquatic animals have been tracked and researched across the globe, with a preference toward politically stable, English-speaking countries with high conservation funding. Researchers ...
Ecology
Jul 9, 2026
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11
