What is the scientific study of animal behavior known as?

The scientific study of animal behavior is known as ethology. Ethologists focus on understanding the behavior of animals in their natural environments, exploring aspects such as instincts, social structures, mating rituals, and survival strategies. This discipline encompasses both the observation of animals in the wild as well as controlled studies to learn about the underlying biological and ecological factors that influence behavior.

Other fields, such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology, are concerned with different aspects of study. Anthropology primarily focuses on human societies and cultures, psychology is centered on the study of the mind and behavior primarily in humans, and sociology examines social behavior and structures within human populations. While there may be overlaps in the methods or theories used across these disciplines, ethology is specifically dedicated to understanding animal behavior, making it the correct answer.