behavioral ecology

the study of the interaction between the environment and the behavior of organisms within that environment. Behavioral ecology is primarily concerned with adaptive aspects of nonhuman animal behavior, especially within a natural environment. Research formerly focused on the acquisition and use of resources, but more recent research has also studied the adaptive significance of social interactions, blending behavioral ecology with sociobiology.

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

extraspective perspective

a methodological approach based on objective, empirical observation of actions and reactions, as contrasted with an introspective, first-person account of experience. The approach of behaviorism is based on an extraspective perspective.