Behavior

Definition:

The investigation of the behavior of humans and animals forms the basis for behavioral biology (ethology). But what exactly is behavior? The word itself can be described very well with some synonyms such as acting, doing, acting or acting.

Generally behavior is dependent on environment, genes and learning experiences. In contrast to animals, however, humans can reflect on their own behavior in a highly complex manner and, if necessary, adapt to different situations. The behavior of animals is more inflexible because it lacks consciousness. Only apes, elephants, dolphins and ravens pass the so-called mirror test, in which the forehead of the animals receives a red mark. If the animals recognize the red dot in front of a mirror and try to wipe it away again, this is interpreted as an indication that these species have a consciousness, ie an idea of ​​their own existence.

There is no clear definition of behavior. Every science defines behavior differently. In sociology, for example, behavior involves only the interaction between individuals. By contrast, according to the definition of biologists, virtually everything that happens between birth and death belongs to behavior. In the case of behavioral observation, for the sake of simplicity, activities serving the same purpose can be grouped into 'categories'. This includes, for example Balzverhalten, foraging, brood care, imposition behavior, sexual behavior and communication.

Summary

Ethologists examine the behavior of animals and humans.
Behavior depends on the environment, the genes and individual learning experiences.