The dictionary definition of ethology is- the scientific study of animal behavior.
There is alot more to it then that though. There are a few different principles that people
can differ on when talking about ethology. Since the 1950's behaviorism was one of the
most popular views. The key leader of this way of thinking was B.F. Skinner.
The Behaviorists basically say that all animals start as a "blank slate" and must be taught
how to do everything. Also they believe that if something can't be studied scientifically,
feelings, thoughts, and mental experiences, then they are not scientific data. Let me
explain. You cannot know exactly what is going on in your brain while you are doing
even simple tasks. Doing the task may simply trigger a memory and you could perform
it. It could also be more complex then that. We don't know. That's why the thoughts
coming from behaviorists are so hard to believe. They want data that they can observe.
They want to see things happen and try to explain why. The fact is, though, sometimes
we can't explain everything. That's how ethology came over from Britain. Ethology in
general says that everything that animals, (including mammals like us), do is instinctive.
Animals have proven that they can adapt and find ways to survive in extreme conditions.
Especially insects. Many species have been around for millions upon millions of years.
They may not be the same as they were in that time, but they adapt to their new
environment better than almost any other creature. Insects are by far the great majority
of all species show startling and adaptive behavior. One of the most amazing behaviors
found in the animal kingdom is the dance of the honeybee. The person who discovered
that this buzzing around on the honeycomb meant anything was Austrian zoologist Karl
von Frisch. Earlier against popula...