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.
A new study published in Individual-Based Ecology presents the first individual-based model (IBM) of basking shark behavior.
Plants & Animals
Oct 29, 2026
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The human brain accounts for roughly 2% of total body weight but uses approximately 20% of our body's energy. Relative to our body size, human brains are much larger than those of other mammals and take a lot of energy to ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 28, 2026
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25
In some group-living animals, individuals other than the parents help care for offspring. This breeding system, known as cooperative breeding, is thought to have evolved from monogamous family groups in which offspring remain ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 27, 2026
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In humans, hunting is considered a man's endeavor. But in one of our closest living relatives, hunting is primarily women's business.
Plants & Animals
Oct 27, 2026
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People in leadership positions tend to rate themselves as more risk-loving than those without leadership responsibilities—and a similar pattern emerges among chimpanzees: High-ranking individuals are perceived as more risk-taking ...
Evolution
Oct 27, 2026
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An estimated 8,000 lions are held in captivity in South Africa in about 350 places, ranging from zoos to tourism venues where people can interact up close with the big cats. Lions are also bred for live trade, trade in body ...
Ecology
Oct 26, 2026
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Humans and other vertebrates go through various stages of sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep characterized by rapid eye movements and muscle twitches. Can a similar sleep state be observed in spiders? Researchers ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 26, 2026
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University of Tübingen researchers have shown that crows, when confronted with a visual choice, make a decision twice as fast as humans and monkeys. In the experiment, two carrion crows took just 235 milliseconds on average ...
Plants & Animals
Oct 25, 2026
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337
In the Northern Hemisphere, days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping—autumn has arrived. A common sign that winter is coming is trees losing their leaves. But did you know that autumn also sparks changes in ...
Ecology
Oct 23, 2026
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It is tough to watch a dog deal with issues associated with aging. A senior dog that gets lost at home or starts showing more anxiety may be exhibiting signs of dementia. But by the time these signs show up, the decline may ...
Veterinary medicine
Oct 23, 2026
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