Principles of Animal Behavior: Mechanisms, Ecology, and Applications in Veterinary Science

by Tanmoy Rana
January 2026

Principles of Animal Behavior: Mechanisms, Ecology, and Applications in Veterinary Science is designed for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in veterinary science, animal science, and zoology, and offers an integrated view of behavioral biology, bridging classical ethology, cognitive neuroscience, and ecological adaptation with practical veterinary applications. The initial chapters provide foundational aspects such as orientation, motivation, and communication before moving on to core themes of learned behavior, cognition, social dynamics, reproduction, and courtship. The book further addresses applied behavioral contexts in veterinary practice, including stress and welfare indicators, the impact of hormones and drugs, and human–animal interactions. The final chapters explore ecological and evolutionary behavior, including movement, habitat selection, and behavioral responses to altered ecosystems. Emphasizing both theoretical depth and practical application, the book provides students and professionals with a modern, interdisciplinary perspective on the role of behavior in animal health, welfare, and survival.

• Provides an overview of animal behavior, covering foundational principles, learning and cognition, social dynamics, reproductive strategies, and ecological interactions
• Addresses complex behavioral phenomena such as social dominance, reproductive strategies, maternal investment, altruism, and host–parasite interactions within both naturalistic and managed settings
• Explains the evolutionary and physiological basis of behavior, drawing upon current understanding in genetics, endocrinology, neuroethology, and environmental biology
• Examines behavioral responses to environmental pressures, including migration, habitat selection, anthropogenic disturbance, and ecosystem alterations
• Incorporates the impact of exogenous influences such as hormone therapy, drug administration, and human–animal interactions on behavioral outcomes

This book serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand how animal behavior influences health, productivity, and welfare across domestic and wild species.

For readers who want a strong foundation before diving deeper, you may also explore this related article: Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine.