What does ethology study?

Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behavior, focusing on understanding the innate behaviors of animals in natural contexts. This field examines how animals interact with their environment and with one another, providing insights into both species-specific behavioral patterns and the evolutionary context behind these behaviors. Ethologists often employ observational and experimental methods to gather data, aiming to uncover the biological and psychological mechanisms that drive behavior.

The study of ethology is crucial for various applications, including wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and even understanding human behavior through the lens of animal actions. While other options touch on different aspects of animal care and study, they do not specifically address the focus of ethology, which is concerned strictly with behavior rather than health, environmental impacts, or classification of breeds.