Animal behavior research and observation

Observing animal behavior is done in a wide variety of research areas, from fundamental neurosciences to wildlife behavior studies or farm animal welfare studies. Explore a range of diverse topics in animal behavior research. From social interactions to genetic influences, gain a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior in various contexts and in various species.

insect-studies

Plants with more linalool smell good, but taste bad

Plant volatiles play an important role in the interaction between plants and insects that eat them. Insect damage very often induces plants to produce volatiles.
pesticides-in-bee-colonies

Pesticides in bee colonies affect the behavior of bees

In the past 20 years, populations of honeybees have declined all over the world. This is partly caused by the increased occurrence of parasites and pathogens.
high-throughput-method-ethogenomics

Developing a high-throughput method - EthoGenomics

Ornamental flowers are among the main export products of The Netherlands. Thrips are one of the most important pests on ornamental flowers.
observing-monkey-behavior

Observing monkey behavior – cracking the nut

We already know some monkeys display above average intelligence. One way by which we can tell is their use of tools. Studies have shown that capuchin monkeys use boulders and logs as anvils upon which they can crush nuts.
beautiful-birds-and-uv-what-we-cannot-see

Beautiful birds and UV – What we cannot see

Don’t we all enjoy the variety and intensity of bird colors? Male birds have perhaps the most impressive color display in nature.
video-tracking-bug-repellant

Video tracking and a bug repellant stronger than DEET

Last year the news was hitting the internet: The Zwiebel lab (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA) may have found a new bug repellant that is stronger than DEET.
video-tracking-ecotoxicology

Tracking tadpoles – why video tracking is important in ecotoxicology

The study of behavior has proven itself to be useful in the context of ecotoxicology; the assessment of the impact of pesticides on ecology systems. It is a valuable tool in the risk assessment.
horse-training-methods

Horse training methods: The importance of behavioral analysis

In equitation sciences, there are at least two training strategies: the ‘natural’ way of horsemanship that allows the horse to evaluate action and reaction and horsemanship that is based on ‘overruling’ of the animal.
brain-waves-behavior-sleep

Brain waves and behavior: sleep to learn

To find out more about human and animal learning and memory, we might just have to go to sleep. Ahem – research on sleep, I mean.
exploratory-activity-drosophila

Walking in circles - the exploratory activity of Drosophila

Like rats and mice, fruit flies avoid open spaces and stay close to physical borders. In rats and mice this is caused by fear to be out in the open and preference for close contact with borders.