The Basics of Animal Behaviour

1. Fundemental Behaviours

Not all animals behave the same way. Some differ in very basic ways. E.g.:

Does the animal live in a group?

       Yes: We call this a social animal.

       No: We call this a solitary animal.

When is the animal most active?

       During the Day: We call this a diurnal animal.

       During the Night: We call this a nocturnal animal.

       At Dawn and Dusk: We call this a crepuscular animal.

These behaviours have evolved because they provide the animal with an evolutionary advantage. E.g. social animals have improved access to mates, food and are safer from predators, whilst nocturnal animals can be safer from predators or the extreme heat of their ecosystem during the day.