Animal behaviour is the study of how and why animals act the way they do. By examining behaviour in both natural and experimental settings, researchers uncover how behaviour evolves and is shaped ecological and evolutionary processes.
Research in animal behaviour investigates the mechanisms, functions, and evolution of behavioural traits across diverse animal groups. The research explores how animals communicate, learn, and make decisions, and how these behaviours influence survival and reproduction in changing environments. Key research themes include social behaviour, communication systems such as acoustic and visual signalling, mate choice and competition, and the cognitive processes underlying learning, memory, and problem-solving. Researchers also study behavioural variation among individuals, including behavioural plasticity, and how early-life conditions shape behavioural development. By combining field observations, controlled experiments, and phylogenetic and quantitative modelling, this research provides fundamental insights into how animals navigate complex social and environmental challenges, and how behavioural strategies contribute to the diversity and adaptability of life.