March 29, 2024
Updated April 10, 2025
16 minute read
Exploring a Career as an Animal Behaviorist
Animal behaviorism is the scientific study of how animals act, react, and interact within their environments and with each other. It delves into the reasons behind specific behaviors, exploring evolutionary origins, physiological mechanisms, developmental influences, and adaptive functions. This field combines elements of biology, psychology, ecology, and ethology to understand everything from simple reflexes to complex social structures and cognitive processes in the animal kingdom.
Working as an animal behaviorist offers a unique window into the lives of diverse species. You might find yourself deciphering the intricate communication signals of primates, understanding the navigational feats of migratory birds, or developing strategies to improve the welfare of companion animals. The field constantly evolves with new discoveries, offering intellectual stimulation and the chance to contribute to conservation, animal welfare, or our fundamental understanding of life itself.
Introduction to Animal Behaviorist Careers
What is Animal Behaviorism?
At its core, animal behaviorism seeks to answer the "why" and "how" of animal actions. Researchers and practitioners observe animals in natural or controlled settings, meticulously recording actions, postures, vocalizations, and interactions. They analyze this data to identify patterns, test hypotheses about the causes and consequences of behavior, and develop theories explaining behavioral phenomena across different species.
The scope is vast, ranging from the molecular level (e.g., genetic influences on behavior) to the ecosystem level (e.g., how behavior shapes community dynamics). It encompasses instinctive behaviors, learned actions, communication, social organization, mating strategies, parental care, foraging techniques, and responses to environmental changes. Understanding these aspects is crucial not just for academic curiosity but also for practical applications.
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Find a path to becoming a Animal Behaviorist. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Animal Behaviorist.
This journal publishes peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of animal behavior, including animal cognition.
This widely respected and highly cited textbook in animal behavior, providing a comprehensive overview with a strong evolutionary focus. It is commonly used in undergraduate and graduate programs and serves as an excellent reference for professionals. The book is valuable for gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge in the field.
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal cognition, covering topics such as learning, memory, communication, and problem-solving. It is well-written and accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds.
Provides a detailed account of the cognitive abilities of ravens, including their capacity for language, reasoning, and problem-solving. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the evolution of cognition.
A comprehensive overview of animal behavior, from basic concepts to advanced topics such as game theory and sociobiology.
Is considered a classic and helped define the field of behavioural ecology, a key area within animal behavior. The latest edition includes updated information and examples, extending its relevance beyond just animals to include microbes and plants. It is essential reading for students focusing on the ecological and evolutionary aspects of behavior.
Is an engaging introduction to the ethical issues surrounding animals. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering the moral status of animals, our obligations to them, and the ethical implications of our interactions with them.
Known as the “bible of dissectors”, Grant's Dissector provides step-by-step dissection instructions and guidance on how to recognize and interpret anatomical structures. It's across between an anatomy reference book and dissection guide. It contains current anatomical terms and includes access to an online learning center with videos, dissection simulations, and quizzes.
Principles and Methods of Toxicology textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of toxicology. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of toxicology.
Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the immobilization and anesthesia of zoo animals and wildlife. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of animal learning and cognition. It covers foundational concepts and recent developments in the field, making it suitable for undergraduate and graduate students. It is particularly useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying animal behavior.
Provides an in-depth analysis of the behavioral mechanisms that underpin ecological and evolutionary processes. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers interested in the intricate links between behavior, ecology, and evolution. It offers a deeper and more technical understanding of the subject.
A classic introductory textbook that provides a clear and concise overview of animal behavior, structured around Tinbergen's four questions. It covers a broad range of topics from the neural basis of behavior to social interactions. is suitable for introductory courses and offers a strong foundation for further study.
Delves into the fascinating world of animal cognition and challenges traditional views on animal intelligence. Written by a leading primatologist, it explores contemporary topics in animal behavior and is accessible to a broad audience. It is excellent for gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of animal minds.
Exploring the emotional lives of animals, this book discusses contemporary research on animal emotions and their implications. It provides insights into the subjective experiences of animals and is relevant to discussions on animal welfare. is valuable for deepening understanding and exploring current topics.
A detailed examination of animal locomotion, discussing the biomechanics and energetics of walking, running, jumping, and swimming.
A seminal work that presents a gene-centered view of evolution, which has profoundly influenced the study of animal behavior, particularly in understanding altruism and social behavior. While not solely focused on behavior, its theoretical framework is crucial for a deeper understanding of the evolutionary basis of animal actions. This classic that provides valuable background knowledge.
Series and related texts focus on the science and ethics of animal welfare across various species. It is highly relevant to the course topics on animal welfare and provides a deeper understanding of the concerns and considerations for animals managed by humans. It valuable resource for exploring contemporary issues in animal behavior and welfare.
Examines the ethics of killing animals for food, research, and other purposes. It argues that animals have a moral status that should be respected and that we should only kill them when there good reason to do so.
Argues that animals deserve the same basic rights as humans. It critiques the traditional view of animals as property and calls for a new ethical framework that recognizes their inherent value.
Temple Grandin offers a unique perspective on animal behavior, drawing on her experiences with autism. The book provides insights into how animals perceive the world and is particularly relevant for understanding animal behavior from a different cognitive framework. It valuable read for gaining a broader understanding and exploring different viewpoints.
Explores the complex inner lives of animals, focusing on their thoughts, feelings, and cultures. It presents compelling evidence for animal sentience and is highly relevant to contemporary discussions in animal behavior and welfare. It is an engaging read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of animal cognition and emotion.
Focusing on the remarkable intelligence and behavior of birds, this book explores a wide range of cognitive abilities. It is an excellent example of contemporary research in animal behavior, highlighting the diversity of intelligence across the animal kingdom. is great for exploring specific examples of complex animal behavior.
Examines the evidence for animal consciousness. It argues that animals are capable of experiencing subjective states, such as pain, pleasure, and fear.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive abilities of dogs, covering topics such as learning, memory, communication, and problem-solving. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the evolution of cognition.
Explores the social intelligence of primates, covering topics such as cooperation, competition, and conflict resolution. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the evolution of cognition.
A practical guide to the methods and techniques used in studying animal behavior. is essential for students conducting research in the field, providing valuable information on experimental design and data collection. It serves as a useful reference tool for anyone involved in animal behavior studies.
Provides a comparative overview of animal reasoning, covering topics such as problem-solving, decision-making, and concept formation. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the evolution of cognition.
Frans de Waal explores the biological roots of empathy in animals, challenging the view of nature as purely competitive. touches on contemporary topics in animal behavior and sociality, offering insights into cooperative behaviors and their evolution. It's a thought-provoking read that adds depth to the understanding of animal social dynamics.
An examination of animal physiology from an environmental perspective, focusing on how animals adapt to and interact with their surroundings.
A classic work by one of the founders of ethology, this book offers charming anecdotes and insightful observations on animal behavior. While an older publication, it provides a historical perspective and highlights the importance of naturalistic observation. It valuable read for understanding the origins of the field.
A comprehensive look at the behavior of domestic cats, covering their social structure, communication, and interactions with humans. is valuable for those interested in the behavior of a common companion animal and is relevant to the course topics on animal behavior and welfare.
Examines the science of death and dying in animals. It provides an overview of the different methods of slaughter and discusses the potential for improvements in animal welfare.
Explores the question of whether animals are conscious, covering topics such as the evolution of consciousness, the neural correlates of consciousness, and the ethical implications of animal consciousness.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/he2abl/animal
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