käitumiseuurimine

Käitumiseuurimine, known in English as ethology, is the scientific study of animal behavior. It is a branch of zoology and psychology that focuses on understanding the causes, functions, and evolution of animal actions. Ethologists observe animals in their natural habitats, employing a methodology that emphasizes systematic observation and objective description.

Key concepts in ethology include innate behavior, which is genetically determined and present from birth, and learned behavior, which is acquired through experience. Ethologists investigate a wide range of behaviors, such as feeding, mating, social interactions, communication, and territoriality. They also explore the evolutionary pressures that have shaped these behaviors, seeking to understand how specific actions contribute to an animal's survival and reproduction.

The field was significantly shaped by pioneers like Konrad Lorenz, Niko Tinbergen, and Karl von Frisch, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for their work on animal behavior. Their research laid the groundwork for modern ethology, which continues to explore complex behavioral patterns and their underlying mechanisms. Ethology has implications for conservation efforts, animal welfare, and our understanding of the biological basis of behavior in general.