Animal Behavior & Communication

Animal behavior and communication are closely related, as communication often relies solely or totally on the behavior of an animal. Behaviors and communication are used as social tools, predatory and defensive maneuvers, mating tactics and for child rearing. Studying the ways animals behave when they communicate and the purpose it serves in helping the animals survive, reproduce and build social connections allows scientists to understand the social groupings of animals. Primates in particular have complex social organizations dependent on behavior and communication.

  1. Grooming

    • Grooming is a behavior observed in primate clans as well as between many females of various species and their young. For primates, grooming is a way to build social connections. Removing lice and other insects from a fellow chimpanzee's fur is a way to maintain an individual's status within the community. Mothers groom their children shortly after birth in order to clean them; grooming also establishes a connection between the female and her infants.

    Hunting

    • Animals like wolves and lions hunt for food in packs; the social structure of the pack often determines the pattern of the hunt and who feeds first. The alpha male and female of any wolf pack will get the first and largest portion of any animal killed, while the male lion normally feeds before the lionesses. Hunting successfully is a way in which animals reinforce their social hierarchy.

    Mating Displays

    • Physical displays of a prominent feature, like a male peacock's tail, is a way in which animals attract mates. The more prominent and noticeable a specific display or physical attribute, the more likely the male is to be selected for mating. In this way, animals contribute to the evolution of their species by ensuring that only males with brightly colored or impressive characteristics pass on their genes to another generation. Mating displays often include fighting over females, such as the sparring deer do, or a specific mating dance or call that brings females to the male.

    Language

    • Higher primates, like chimpanzees and bonobos, are able to communicate using sign language if they learn it from humans; however, they also have their own patterns of communication. Animals have specific behaviors or sounds used to communicate things like the presence of danger or the location of food. The chattering of a squirrel is used to ward off a threat and warn other squirrels, while the honeybee's dance is used to direct its hive to a source of pollen.

    Play

    • Animal cubs, like lion cubs and bears, often play with one another or their parents. This type of play mimics hunting: the animals will nip at and bite one another, wrestle and pounce. Playing teaches animals how to be aware of their settings and how to use their bodies effectively. This form of playing also prepares them for hunting and surviving once they are no longer infants and protected by their parents. Play is an important part of juvenile animal behavior.