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the actions of their pets too. Then we will recognize that they are sick or need our assistance. We will also know to buy prey type toys' like mice for our cats. If we have feuding dogs, we will know that they may have territorial concerns. Knowing these facts will help us find better solutions to our pet's problems.

Ecologists also use behavioral information to forecast the possibility of endangered species or problems with the environment. Studying arctic-nesting geese and the nutritional requirements of goslings can help them predict how elevated CO2 may affect arctic ecosystems.

Studying animal behavior can sometimes explain human behavior. For instance, many animals mark their territory with urine, which evolve as a way of reducing violence between species. Likewise, human property lines prevent disputes over territory. Evolution indicates that aggressive instincts tend to keep order in social groups. Because of the need to dominate, man sometimes goes beyond protective behavior to war or murder.

We're finding new applications for ethology every day. As we are faced with new challenges to our existence like the drastic depopulation of the pollinating honeybee, scientists search deeper into the genetics and habits of these creatures and their interaction with the environment to find answers. Our very survival could depend on ethology.

http://songweaver.com/info/bon obos.html http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmi chaelwfox/id31.html http://www.gender.org.uk/about /10ethol/a3_group.htm

Learn more about this author, Kathy Stemke.
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