Animal Behaviour key terms

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Behaviour

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An observable response by an animal to a stimulus

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Normal behaviour

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Behaviour as it has evolved in the natural habitats of the species, including any learnt behaviour that serves the function of promoting the health, survival, and reproduction of an animal in a certain environment

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Natural behaviour

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Behaviours seen in the wild counterpart

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Abnormal behaviour

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Behaviour which differs in pattern, frequency, or context from that which is shown by most members of a species in conditions that allow a full range of behaviour

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Stereotypical behaviour

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Movement patterns that are unvarying, repetitive, and lack an obvious goal or function

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Behavioural ecology

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The study of the adaptive aspects of behaviour, focusing on how behaviours influence fitness and are shaped by environmental factors

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Ethology

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The study of animal behaviour from an evolutionary perspective, or considering behaviour in natural, or near-natural, environments

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Applied ethology

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The application of the study of behaviour from an evolutionary perspective to non-natural settings, e.g., domesticated animals, captive wild animals

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Evolution

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Biological change over time

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Natural selection

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A process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment, leading to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that environment.