Lesson 1

The scientific study of animal behavior from an evolutionary and comparative perspective, using primarily observational methods. (Sabater Pi, 1988)

The set of observable manifestations, regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems, through which an animal adaptively responds to internal or external stimuli.

It assumes continuity between humans and other animals, studying behavior as a product of evolutionary processes (morphology, physiology, and behavior).

Integrating genetic, physiological, ecological, social, and cognitive aspects to understand behavior in an evolutionary framework.

Naturalistic and systematic observation of behavior.

1️⃣ Observation

2️⃣ Description

3️⃣ Explanation

(4️⃣ Application of acquired knowledge)

A catalog or list of all behaviors observed in a species, described from structural to functional levels — used for systematic analysis.

1️⃣ Causality (Immediate cause)

2️⃣ Ontogeny (Development)

3️⃣ Function (Adaptive purpose)

4️⃣ Phylogeny (Evolutionary origin)

5️⃣ Culture (Cultural cause, in some species)

The immediate cause —

• why the behavior happens “here and now”;

  • includes internal (physiological) and external (ecological/social) factors.

The developmental cause —

• how behavior develops through the interaction of genetics, individual experience, learning, and maturity.

The adaptive purpose —

• what the behavior is for, how it contributes to survival or reproduction.

The evolutionary origin —

• how and why the behavior evolved across related species, often inferred through comparative studies.

Behavior can also have cultural origins—

• rules, traditions, or learned practices within a social group (seen in humans and some animals). (Alcock 1996)

• Immediate: Environmental stimuli (light, temperature) → brain activation → singing•

Ontogeny: Learned species-specific song as a nestling• Function: Territory defense & mate attraction• Phylogeny: Evolved vocalizations in Passeriformes