The study of animal behaviour has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century. For much of human history, our understanding of animals was shaped by anecdote, folklore, personal observation, and often a heavy dose of human interpretation. Animals were frequently viewed through the lens of human emotions, motives, and intentions. While these observations sometimes provided valuable insights, they often lacked scientific rigour and objectivity.
The emergence of ethology fundamentally changed this landscape. Ethology, the scientific study of animal behaviour in natural environments, revolutionised how researchers observe, interpret, and understand animals. It shifted the focus away from assumptions and speculation toward systematic observation, measurable evidence, and evolutionary understanding.
