Define "ethology" in the context of animal sciences.

Ethology is defined as the study of animal behavior in natural environments. This field focuses on understanding how animals behave in their natural habitats, emphasizing the observation of behaviors as they occur in the wild. Ethologists study various aspects of behavior, including mating rituals, social interactions, foraging strategies, and responses to environmental stimuli. By examining these behaviors in context, researchers can gain insights into the evolutionary significance of actions, the role of instinct, and the influence of learning.

This choice is correct because it captures the essence of ethology, which is inherently tied to understanding behavior in the natural settings where animals live, rather than in artificial environments or labs. It also distinguishes the field from others, such as animal care, breeding techniques, or nutrition, which focus on specific aspects of animal management and welfare rather than the broader behavioral patterns and ecological interactions animals exhibit in their natural surroundings.