animal behavior: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Primarily uncountable when referring to the general concept or field of study ('Animal behavior is fascinating'). It can be countable when referring to specific, distinct types of actions ('The study catalogued several new mating behaviors').

'Animal behavior' is the general term for the actions themselves and can also name the field of study. 'Ethology' is the specific, formal name for the scientific discipline that studies animal behavior, particularly in natural contexts, from a biological perspective.

Use 'animal behaviour' if writing for a UK, Australian, or Canadian audience, and 'animal behavior' for a US audience. Academic journals typically follow one style guide consistently.

Typically no. It specifically refers to non-human animals. When applied to humans, it is often metaphorical or derogatory, implying instinctual, base, or unsophisticated actions ('He ate with animal-like behavior'). The scientific study of human actions is usually called 'human behavior' or 'psychology'.

The observable actions, reactions, and conduct of animals in their natural or captive environments.

Animal behavior is usually academic, scientific, educational, occasionally journalistic. in register.

Animal behavior: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪ.məl bɪˈheɪ.vjə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.məl bəˈheɪ.vjɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.