Introduction about Animal Behaviour
In simple language, animal behaviour refers to the whole lot an animal does — how it moves, feeds, communicates, reproduces, and interacts with others. The study of this field is called ethology. Ethologists try to understand not just what animals do, but also why they do it.
Animal behaviour is designed by both genetics and the environment. Think of it as a combination of nature and learning. For example, a newborn turtle instinctively crawling toward the sea the instant it hatches — that’s inborn. But a young wolf learns how to hunt efficiently by watching older wolves — that’s learning.
Inborn vs. Learning
One of the biggest questions in animal behaviour is how much of it is pre-programmed and how much is learned.
Instinctive behaviours are hardwired into an animal’s biology. These behaviours don’t have to be taught — they’re automatic responses to certain stimuli. For example, spiders don’t attend weaving school, yet each species spins a unique web pattern perfectly suited for catching prey. Migratory birds know when and where to fly every year without being told. These behaviours have evolved over millions of years to increase survival chances.
Learned behaviours, on the other hand, change through experience. Animals can adapt and expand their actions based on consequences. A raccoon that figures out how to open a trash can lid will remember that trick — and probably teach others! Primates, dolphins, elephants, and even some birds have shown notable learning skill, using tools, solving puzzles, and displaying emotional intelligence.
In most species, behaviour is a mixture of both. A lion is born with hunting instincts, but it must practice accuracy and timing by observing others in the pride.
Communication: The Language Without Words
Communication is essential to animal behaviour. Though animals don’t use words like humans, they constantly send and receive signals through sounds, movements, colors, and even smells.
- Visual signals: Many animals use body language to express emotions. A dog wagging its tail, a peacock displaying its feathers, or a lizard bobbing its head — all are ways of communicating. Some species even change color to send messages; chameleons and cuttlefish use color changes for camouflage, mating, and warnings.
- Auditory signals: From the songs of whales to the territorial calls of birds, sound plays a major role in communication. Dolphins use clicks and whistles that act almost like names, while wolves howl to bring the pack together. Sound can travel long distances, making it ideal for communication across large territories.
- Chemical signals: Many animals communicate through scent. Ants leave chemical trails (pheromones) to lead others to food. Cats and dogs mark territory with scent glands. Some moths release pheromones that attract mates from kilometers away.
- Tactile signals: Touch is also influential. Primates groom each other not just for cleanliness, but to strengthen social bonds. Elephants comfort stressed group members with their trunks — a gesture similar to a human hug.
Social Behaviour: Living Together
Not all animals are solitary. Many live in groups, and their behaviour reflects complex social structures.
In packs, herds, or colonies, animals unite for protection, hunting, or raising young. Wolves hunt in packs to catch larger prey. Meerkats work together to keep watch for predators. Ant colonies function like superorganisms, with different members — workers, soldiers, and a queen.
Social behaviour requires coordination and often hierarchy. For instance, chickens have a “pecking order” where each bird has its own rank. Primates, including chimpanzees and baboons, display complex social systems, forming alliances much like humans do. Living in groups also improves learning. Young animals observe and imitate elders, gaining vital survival skills faster.
Mating and Reproduction: The Drive to Continue the Species
Mating behaviour is an important and captivating part of animal life. From extravagant dances to colorful displays, many species go to great lengths to attract a partner.
Peacocks display their dazzling feathers to impress peahens. Frogs call loudly to advertise their fitness. Some birds, like the bowerbird, build ornate “bowers” decorated with shells, flowers, and even bits of plastic to woo females. In these displays, beauty often signals health and genetic quality.
But mating is strategic. Some species are monogamous (sticking with one partner), while others live in polygamous systems. Males and females may also have conflicting strategies — for example, in some species, males compete aggressively for access to females, while females choose mates carefully to ensure strong offspring.
Emotions and Intelligence: Do Animals Feel?
For a long time, scientists were hesitant to talk about animal emotions. But modern research shows that many animals experience feelings similar to ours — joy, fear, grief, affection, and even compassion.
Elephants grieve their dead, dolphins play for fun, and dogs clearly show devotion and excitement. Crows and ravens can recognize human faces. These findings blur the line between “instinct” and “intellect.” While animals may not experience emotions exactly as humans do, they certainly possess inner feelings and awareness.
The Human Connection
Studying animal behaviour isn’t just about curiosity — it has real-world importance. Understanding behaviour helps ecologists protect endangered species, guides farmers in improving animal welfare, and even teaches us about our own evolution.
Humans share many behavioural patterns with other animals. Our social structures, cooperation, communication, and emotions all have roots in the animal kingdom. By studying animals, we learn more about ourselves — where we come from, and how we fit into this world.
Conclusion: Listening to Nature’s Stories
Every whisper in the grass, every birdsong at dawn, every ripple in a pond tells a story — a story of instinct, learning, adaptation, and connection. Animal behaviour reveals the incredible diversity of life and the struggles of all creatures to survive, reproduce, and communicate.
When we slow down and truly observe animals, we’re reminded that the world isn’t just ours. It’s shared with countless beings who think, feel, and act in their own remarkable ways. By understanding them better, we not only protect them — we reconnect with the deeper rhythms of the natural world.
Blog By:
Ms. Gyanwati Agarwal
Department of Science (Zoology)
Biyani Girls College, Jaipur