éthologie

Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behavior, usually with a focus on natural conditions, and viewing behavior as an evolutionarily adaptive trait. The formal study of ethology began in the 1930s with the work of Nikolaas Tinbergen and Konrad Lorenz. Ethologists study animal behavior in relation to their environment and typically focus on behaviors such as mating, fighting, feeding, and social interactions.

A key concept in ethology is the idea of fixed action patterns, which are innate, unlearned behavioral sequences that are triggered by specific stimuli. Ethologists also study learning and how animals adapt their behavior in response to new experiences. The field draws on a variety of disciplines, including evolutionary biology, ecology, genetics, and psychology.

Ethological research often involves direct observation of animals in their natural habitats, as well as controlled experiments. The goal is to understand the function and evolutionary significance of different behaviors, and how they contribute to an animal's survival and reproduction. Ethology has provided valuable insights into a wide range of animal behaviors, from the intricate social structures of insects to the complex communication systems of marine mammals.