What is the primary focus of the study of animal behavior?

The primary focus of the study of animal behavior is centered on understanding why animals do what they do. This field examines the reasons behind various behaviors exhibited by animals, including their responses to internal and external stimuli, their social interactions, and their adaptive strategies. By analyzing the motivations and contexts for different behaviors, researchers gain insight into the evolutionary advantages of such actions, how animals communicate, find food, mate, and navigate their environments.

While understanding animal instincts is part of this broader inquiry, it is just one component of the larger investigation into behavior. Feeding and drinking habits, as well as social structures, are also significant aspects of animal behavior studies, but they are more specific examples of behavior rather than the overarching aim of the discipline. The goal is to create a comprehensive understanding that encompasses all facets of behavior, integrating various influences and motivations that drive these actions.