What term do biologists and veterinary specialists use to refer to the study of animal behavior?

The study of animal behavior is referred to as ethology. This field focuses specifically on understanding the behavioral patterns of animals in natural conditions, examining how animals interact with each other, their environment, and the stimuli that influence their behaviors. Ethologists often conduct observations and experiments to analyze various aspects of behavior such as mating, foraging, social structures, and communication among species.

Zoology, while related to the study of animals, encompasses a broader range of topics beyond just behavior, including anatomy, physiology, and evolution. Psychology generally pertains to human behavior and mental processes, making it distinct from the study of animal behavior. Anthropology involves the study of humans and their cultures, which again places it outside the scope of animal behavior. Thus, ethology is the precise term utilized by biologists and veterinary specialists for the study of how animals behave.