Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, focusing on biological roots and meanings of actions. An ethogram is a detailed catalogue of typical behaviors that serves as a tool for measurement and analysis of animal behavior. The document outlines the methodology for constructing an ethogram, including observation techniques and data organization for effective study.

1. ETHOGRAM

2. ETHOLOGY
• Ethology is the study of animal behavior.
• Examine biological roots and meanings of
animal actions.
• The first step in the observation process is to
construct an ethogram.

3. ETHOGRAM
• Catalogue of typical behavioral patterns of a
species.
• A qualitative description of an animal’s normal
behavior becomes quantitative data.
• A tool to measure animal’s behavior.

4. Importance of Observation
• Initially, questions about animal behavior come
from observations.
• You must understand your study animal before
you can begin testing ideas.
• Patience and attention.

5. Watching v/s Observing

7. Getting started
Background
Research /
Observation
Questions
Hypothesis

8. Choose a study animal that interests you
Find/Read some background information
Determine a Question
Form a Hypothesis
Collect Data and make Observations
Organize the data
Analyze the data
Form a conclusion

9. Observation sampling techniques:
• ad libitum (L. "at pleasure")
• Focal-animal sampling
• Scan (instantaneous) sampling
• One-zero sampling

10. How to construct an ethogram
• Descriptions should be clear, concise, objective
and complete.
• Empirical descriptions.
• Describe specific parameters.
• Be specific and concise.
• Note down the action patterns.

11. Time Budget
• Often involve “behaviors” -- groups of action
patterns.
• Using one of the observational techniques
mentioned earlier, measure the amount of time
spent on a series of behaviors.

12. (SAMPLE) ETHOGRAM AND OBSERVATION DATA SHEET
MEERKAT
Play: The Meerkat engages in rough and tumble social interaction or chasing
Lookout: The Meerkat stands upright on hind legs, alert, looking at the
surroundings.
Locomotion: The Meerkat is walking, running, or climbing in exhibit.
Feeding: The Meerkat digs and consumes food from the ground with their
hands or mouths.
Resting: The Meerkat is inactive, possibly lying down or sitting somewhere in
their exhibit. Eyes may be open or closed.
Not visible: The Meerkats are off the exhibit. You cannot see the Meerkat you
were observing.
Other: You see the behavior other than the ones described above.

13. DATE:
START TIME:
END TIME:
Playing Lookout Locomotion Feeding Resting Not visible Other
0:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
2:30