What is the field that studies animal behavior called?

The field that specifically studies animal behavior is known as ethology. Ethology focuses on observing animals in their natural environments, emphasizing the instinctual and adaptive behaviors that animals exhibit. Researchers in this field analyze various aspects of behavior, such as communication, mating rituals, foraging habits, and social interactions, to understand how these behaviors evolved and function in the context of survival and reproduction.

While behaviorism is a branch of psychology that examines behavior primarily through the lens of learning and environment, it is not exclusively focused on animals. Zoology encompasses the broader study of animals, including their biology, physiology, and ecology, rather than focusing solely on behavior. Psychology, in general, explores the mind and behavior but can include human behavior as well, making it not strictly about animal behavior. Ethology stands out as the dedicated discipline specifically oriented towards understanding how and why animals behave the way they do in their natural settings.