Ethology: What is it, what is it for and what is it for

Ethology is a branch of biology that studies animal behaviorderiving his name from the Greek “ἦθος” (ethos), which means “character”, and “-λογία” (-Logia), which translates as “the study of”. This term was popular by the American entomologist William Morton Wheeler In 1902. On the other hand, Charles Darwinis considered the first modern ethologist, since he laid the foundations of this science with his work “the expression of emotions in man and animals” (1872), which influenced later research on animal ethology.

At the beginning of the 20th century, ethology gained relevance with the work of researchers as Konrad Lorenz, Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frischwho were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1973 for their contributions to the field.

Ethology studies animal behavior in its natural environment. Focuses on the direct observation of animals in their habitatwhich allows us a deep understanding of their motivations, interactions and adaptations to the environment. This study not only reveals how animals respond to external stimuli, but also illuminates the evolution of their behaviors in relation to survival and reproduction. In this way, the study of animal ethology provides valuable knowledge about animal life and its complexity.

Ethological studies focus on instinctive behaviorswhich are common to all members of a species in specific circumstances. Pioneers such as Eugène Marais, Oskar Heinroth and Julian Huxley carried out meticulous investigations that included ethograms, systematic descriptions of behaviors and their frequency of occurrence.

Ethology classifies animal behaviors into two main types: innate and learned.

Innate

Innate behaviors, commonly known as instincts, are those that are genetically determined And they manifest predictably In response to certain stimuli. These behaviors are inherent to all members of a species and are carried out without prior learning. For example, spiders weave complex networks and cats hunt instinctively, demonstrating that these acts are automatic and do not require practice. Innate behaviors are fundamental for survivalsince they allow animals to react to critical situations, such as the search for food or the protection of their young.

Learned

The learned behaviors are those who They develop from experience and interaction with the environment. This type of behavior includes processes such as habituation, where an animal stops responding to a stimulus after repeated exhibitions. Likewise, association learning, such as classical conditioning, allows animals to relate stimuli to specific responses, a fundamental principle in training. The behaviors learned, although they may include innate elements, offer organisms the flexibility necessary to adapt to changes in your environmentwhich is essential for their survival in a world in constant evolution.

When studying behavior, ethologists can identify how interactions, territorial defense, communication and migration They affect the survival of species. In addition, ethology investigates as factors such as genetics, learning and individual experience mold the expression of these behaviors in various species.

The objective of ethology is to provide a deep understanding of how animals interact with their environment and evolve. Through the four questions of Tinbergen about the function, causality, development and evolutionary history, it seeks to understand the complexities of animal behavior, which contributes significantly to animal welfare and the conservation of biodiversity.

Ethology is crucial to understanding how animals adapt to their environment and the circumstances that surround them. Your research covers trophic, reproductive and social behaviorsall developed in relation to the environmental context.

At present, ecosystems face drastic changes due to human actionsuch as pollution and climate change. These alterations impact not only individuals, but also species as a whole, affecting food, reproduction and migration patterns. For example, extreme climatic events can reduce the availability of resources, altering the balance of the ecosystem and affecting the survival of various species.

Ethology not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of animal behavior, but also has practical applications. Allows you to design effective conservation strategies For endangered species, improve animal welfare in controlled environments, and develop pest control methods that respect the environment.

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