sociobiology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “sociobiology” mean?
The scientific study of the biological basis of social behaviour in animals and humans, especially as shaped by evolutionary processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of the biological basis of social behaviour in animals and humans, especially as shaped by evolutionary processes.
An interdisciplinary field that examines how behaviours—including altruism, aggression, and mating strategies—might be explained by natural selection and genetics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. The field originated in the US, so early academic literature is predominantly American.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can carry historical controversy regarding genetic determinism, though this has lessened. In popular discourse, it may still be associated with debates on nature vs. nurture.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, limited to academic/scientific contexts. More common in biology, anthropology, and psychology journals.
Grammar
How to Use “sociobiology” in a Sentence
the sociobiology of [noun phrase: e.g., altruism, insect societies]sociobiology argues/proposes that...according to sociobiology,...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sociobiology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable. No standard verb form.]
American English
- [Not applicable. No standard verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable. No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [Not applicable. No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- The sociobiological perspective was debated fiercely.
- His sociobiological arguments were considered reductionist.
American English
- A sociobiological approach to parenting is controversial.
- The book presented a sociobiological hypothesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, only in highly specific contexts like biotech ethics discussions.
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy departments.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only appear in advanced popular science discussions.
Technical
Core context. Specific to scientific literature on animal/human behaviour evolution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sociobiology”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sociobiology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sociobiology”
- Misspelling: 'socio-biology' (hyphen is sometimes used but less standard), 'sociobiology'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing 'so-sho' instead of 'so-si-o'.
- Using it as a synonym for all of evolutionary biology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related and overlapping. Sociobiology is the broader foundational field from which evolutionary psychology emerged, with the latter focusing more specifically on the human mind's adapted mechanisms.
In the 1970s, it was accused of promoting biological determinism and justifying social inequalities by suggesting complex social behaviours (like gender roles or aggression) were genetically 'hardwired' and unchangeable.
Edward O. Wilson, an American biologist, through his 1975 book 'Sociobiology: The New Synthesis', which systematized the field.
Yes, though the name is used less frequently today. Its core ideas have been absorbed and refined into fields like behavioural ecology, evolutionary psychology, and genomic studies of behaviour.
The scientific study of the biological basis of social behaviour in animals and humans, especially as shaped by evolutionary processes.
Sociobiology is usually formal, academic, scientific in register.
Sociobiology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsəʊ.si.əʊ.baɪˈɒl.ə.dʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsoʊ.si.oʊ.baɪˈɑː.lə.dʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. The term itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SOCIety + BIOlogy = the biology of societies (how societies of animals/humans are shaped by biological evolution).
Conceptual Metaphor
BEHAVIOUR IS A BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION; SOCIAL STRUCTURES ARE GENETIC PROGRAMS.
Practice
Quiz
Sociobiology is primarily concerned with: