Making Sense of Animal Behaviours in the Ocean
Editor ’ s Note
THE WAYS OF THE WILD
Making Sense of Animal Behaviours in the Ocean
“ As we develop new ways to ‘ speak animal ’ we can learn more and more about the complex and intriguing world of animal emotions , and more importantly , how we can change the way humans behave to better protect the welfare of the animals we impact .”
– Dr Helen Lambert , global expert on animal sentience , published scientist and accomplished researcher in animal welfare science
Humans have been fascinated with animal behaviour for millennia , initially observed for practical reasons like survival . Wild game hunting , animal husbandry and escaping predators required intimate knowledge of animals ’ habits .
The Key to Understanding Ecosystems Biologists now recognise ethology ( the science of non-human animal behaviour ) as a branch of zoology rooted in the works of Charles Darwin , Konrad Lorenz ( for his studies on imprinting of ducks ) and other late 19th-century ornithologists . This science explains how animals adapt in order to increase their chances of survival . In behavioural ecology and psychology , the study of animal behaviour is key to understanding ecosystems and the various interactions within them . From a conservation point of view , understanding animal behaviour helps protect endangered species and manage human-wildlife interactions .
Reaching the Masses The huge diversity of animal species and their unique ways of interacting with the world have evoked wonder , and people like British ethologist Jane Goodall , iconic naturalist Sir David Attenborough and the late Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin have since elevated the study of animal behaviour and piqued the curiosity of the public . Now books , documentaries and films , even watching short animal videos on social media platforms , take up a large chunk of our day .
“ Personifying ” the Animals Humans have evolved to interpret social cues , like facial expressions and behaviours , which also tends to make them see these same traits in non-human entities . Animals have played prominent roles in myths , folklore , and religious traditions , often symbolising traits like wisdom , strength or cunning , and have been portrayed in paintings and all kinds of literature across cultures . Anthropomorphism plays a significant role in how humans relate to the world , shaping their interactions with animals , objects , and the environment . However , it can also lead to a misinterpretation of the behaviour or distort scientific understanding . For example , frogfish don ’ t “ yawn ” because they need a snooze ; they do it to realign their jaws after gulping down prey twice their size !
“ Anthropomorphism is such an interesting concept . It means projecting human thoughts and emotions onto an animal . Which implies that thoughts and feelings belong to humans alone .”
– Sy Montgomery , best-selling author of Soul of an Octopus
Animal Sentience However , the concept of anthropomorphism has evolved , as there is now irrefutable proof that complex animals have thoughts , feelings and individual personalities . They have their own preferences , desires and needs , although humans may not always understand what they are . Now this throws open a whole new – but fun – field for interpretation , and until science can confirm a specific animal behavioural trait , humans in this era will continue to create memes and GIFs for all the world to see !
In this annual photo journal , we will feature obvious behaviours in stunning images , but also some curious ones that warrant more observation and study . We know so much more about sterile , barren outer space than our oceans that are teeming with life and require more of our understanding and care . You will also see that some images are presented in a series because some behaviours cannot be appreciated in a single shot . As always , I ’ m forever grateful to the photographers who always offer their precious images whenever I ask .
Live , laugh , love ,
Sol Foo Editor